Alexander Skarsgård Stuns With Risqué Fashion Choice At 'Pillion' Photocall

  • By Imani
  • Feb. 23, 2026, 10 a.m.

Skarsgård's Bold Move at Zurich Film Festival

Alexander Skarsgård turned heads at the Zurich Film Festival on October 1, stepping out in a daring ensemble for the photocall of his new film, Pillion. The 49-year-old actor sported a silk shirt from the Magliano Spring 2025 collection, adorned with provocative imagery including dildos, paper towels, lubricants, and a cracked cellphone. This bold fashion choice was not just a random pick but an artistic nod to the themes explored in his latest film.

Completing his audacious look, Skarsgård paired the shirt with casually unbuttoned details, relaxed pinstripe trousers, and sleek black leather shoes. The actor's fashion choice ties seamlessly into the narrative of Pillion, a Harry Lighton-directed film about a complex relationship between his character, Ray, a biker gang member, and Colin, played by Harry Melling.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård

Embracing the Awkward in 'Pillion'

In an interview with Variety, Skarsgård shared insights into the film's unconventional approach to portraying intimacy. "I often find sex on screen quite boring," he admitted. "During Colin’s birthday and that orgy scene, a lot happens emotionally." He lauded director Harry Lighton for capturing the "awkwardness" of the characters' sexual encounters, emphasizing that the scenes were essential to the character's development rather than gratuitous.

“We wanted it to be clumsy and weird. On screen, it often looks like a ballet, but sex can be awkward and funny,” Skarsgård explained, highlighting his commitment to authentic storytelling.
Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård

While Pillion pushes boundaries, it's not the first time Skarsgård has made bold fashion statements. He previously stole the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival with a unique twist on formal attire, donning a grey pinstripe suit with sequined pants and stand-out thigh-high boots.

No Stranger to Daring Fashion

Known for his fearless fashion, Skarsgård added flair to the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival by pairing traditional pieces with unexpected elements. At the premiere of The Phoenician Scheme, he again challenged convention by accessorizing a classic tuxedo with slouchy Saint Laurent thigh-high boots.

As Pillion makes its way to audiences – with A24 securing U.S. distribution rights – fans are eager to see Skarsgård’s on-screen performance match his striking red carpet presence. With no release date announced yet, audiences remain on the edge of their seats for what promises to be a provocative and poignant film experience.

Imani
Author: Imani
Imani

Imani

Imani follows the money: payouts, contracts, lawsuits, and platform enforcement. With a background in entertainment PR and paralegal work, she breaks complex stories into plain-English playbooks for creators. Her series Follow the Money connects drama to data - who benefits, who pays, and what to do next. Calm, sourced, and courtroom-ready; DTLA is her second office.