Alexander Skarsgård on ‘Pillion’: “You Don’t Show a Close-up of a D Just Because You Can”

The Zurich Film Festival recently became the stage for a crucial conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in cinema, as Alexander Skarsgård, lead actor in "Pillion", revealed that the film’s production included “way more graphic scenes” than what ended up in the final cut. "Pillion", directed by Harry Lighton, is a bold entry in the gay romance genre, starring Skarsgård as an alluring biker and Harry Melling as his submissive partner, and has already made waves for its unapologetic portrayal of queer desire .

During a press event at the Zurich Film Festival, Skarsgård candidly discussed the filmmaking process, sharing that while the cast and crew filmed “way more graphic scenes,” the creative team ultimately decided against including certain close-up shots of nudity. “You don’t show a close-up of a d— just because you can,” Skarsgård told reporters, emphasizing that explicitness should serve the story rather than shock or titillate for its own sake .

This approach, he explained, reflects a growing understanding in LGBTQ+ cinema that authenticity and emotional resonance outweigh the value of simply pushing boundaries. For Skarsgård, the decision was about respect – both for the characters and for LGBTQ+ audiences, who often seek nuanced representations rather than mere visual provocation .

"Pillion" arrives at a time of renewed debate on how LGBTQ+ intimacy is depicted on screen. While queer films have historically been censored or forced to dilute their sexuality, recent years have seen a push for more explicit and honest portrayals. However, filmmakers now face the challenge of balancing visibility with narrative depth, ensuring that sexually explicit scenes genuinely contribute to character development and story, rather than serving as mere spectacle .

Director Harry Lighton has described "Pillion" as a “kinky romance” that refuses to shy away from the complexities of queer relationships. The film’s trailer, which premiered ahead of its festival run, features overtly sensual imagery and hints at power dynamics rarely addressed in mainstream gay cinema . By choosing to retain emotional intensity while moderating graphic content, Lighton and Skarsgård position "Pillion" as a work that values substance over sensationalism.

The LGBTQ+ community has responded with both excitement and scrutiny to Skarsgård’s remarks and the film’s approach. Many viewers appreciate the effort to foreground intimacy without exploiting nudity, noting that thoughtful representation can help counter stereotypes about queer sexuality as either hypersexualized or invisible .

Film critics and LGBTQ+ advocates point to the importance of agency in how gay and queer sex is depicted. When actors and directors make deliberate choices about what to show on screen, it can help shift industry standards and challenge the notion that more explicit content always equals more authentic representation. As Skarsgård said, “There’s a difference between being provocative and being exploitative” .

The release of "Pillion" aligns with a broader trend of LGBTQ+ filmmakers reclaiming narrative control and breaking from the limitations imposed by mainstream studios. Films such as "Call Me By Your Name", "Moonlight", and "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" have demonstrated that audiences are hungry for stories that center queer desire and vulnerability without reducing them to graphic visuals alone .

Moreover, "Pillion’s" festival success indicates growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ stories that explore kink, power play, and nontraditional dynamics – themes that have often been marginalized even within queer media. By treating these elements with care and intentionality, the film opens doors for more varied and honest depictions of LGBTQ+ relationships, affirming the diversity within the community .

Alexander Skarsgård has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, both through his choice of roles and his public support for equality. In interviews, he has spoken about the importance of challenging norms and portraying queer characters with depth and dignity . His work in "Pillion" continues that legacy, offering audiences a portrayal that is as emotionally charged as it is physically intimate.

Harry Melling, his co-star, has also championed authentic storytelling, describing the experience of working on "Pillion" as “transformative” and expressing hope that the film will help LGBTQ+ audiences feel more seen on screen .

As "Pillion" prepares for its wider release following festival acclaim, industry watchers are eager to see how its approach to sexual representation will influence future projects. The film’s blend of sensuality, narrative rigor, and respect for its subjects marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ media, suggesting that the next chapter of queer cinema will be defined not just by visibility, but by intentionality and care .

For LGBTQ+ viewers, "Pillion" offers a rare combination: a film that refuses to compromise on the realities of queer desire, while also insisting that every choice – explicit or not – must serve the story and the people it represents. As Skarsgård’s words reverberate through the community, they serve as a reminder that in queer storytelling, authenticity is more than skin deep.