Zurich, October 4, 2025 — Alexander Skarsgård is making waves on and off the screen as he promotes his provocative new film, Pillion. The Swedish actor stunned fans and photographers alike at the Zurich Film Festival photocall on October 1, where he appeared in a headline-grabbing, NSFW shirt adorned with risqué motifs, including dildos and other sex-related imagery. The daring fashion choice was a playful nod to the film’s bold BDSM themes and quickly became a viral moment online .
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Pillion, directed by Harry Lighton and distributed by A24, stars Skarsgård as Ray, a charismatic biker gang leader who enters a dominant/submissive relationship with Colin, played by Harry Melling. The film, which premiered at Cannes earlier this year, has been praised for its sharp, bike-side romance and unflinching exploration of queer intimacy and power dynamics.
During the press tour, Skarsgård has been refreshingly open about the film’s explicit content and his approach to the role. He revealed that the production shot “way more graphic scenes” than what made the final cut, emphasizing that “you don’t show a close-up of a d-ck just because you can” and that the story’s emotional core was always the priority. Skarsgård also discussed his own experiences with both men and women, clarifying that while his past was “not really relevant” to the film, he appreciated the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and bring authenticity to the role .
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The actor’s commitment to the project extended beyond the screen, as he immersed himself in research with the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club and spoke candidly about the realities of the BDSM community. “Leather gays are scary,” Skarsgård joked, “but I have a little bit of experience from that world and I know that’s not the truthful depiction”.
With Pillion generating buzz for its fearless storytelling and Skarsgård’s magnetic performance, the film is poised to become one of the year’s most talked-about queer romances. As for Skarsgård, his willingness to embrace both the film’s themes and its promotional spectacle has only solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most daring and versatile stars.