A24 acquires rights for Kinky Romance Film 'Pillion' starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling

This film blends humour with a daring exploration of queer culture and BDSM dynamics.

A24 has announced that it has acquired the U.S. distribution rights for the highly anticipated film Pillion, directed by British filmmaker Harry Lighton. This marks Lighton's feature film debut after his BAFTA-nominated short film Wren Boys. The film stars Alexander Skarsgård, known for his roles in Succession and The Northman, alongside Harry Melling, famous for his performance in The Queen’s Gambit.

Described as a “funny, filthy romance,” Pillion tells the story of Ray (Skarsgård), an “impossibly handsome leader of a bike gang,” who introduces shy wallflower Colin (Melling) to a vibrant community of kinky, queer bikers. As Colin navigates this new world, he grapples with the realities of being a 24/7 submissive and whether this lifestyle truly suits him.

Lighton adapted the screenplay loosely from Adam Mars-Jones' 2019 novel Box Hill, and the film recently completed production in the summer of 2024. The production was backed by Element Pictures, known for their work on films like Poor Things, with financing support from BBC Film and the BFI.

Pillion gained significant attention at this year's Cannes market, where it was introduced to buyers by Cornerstone, the company handling worldwide sales. The film is poised to add a fresh voice to the romantic drama genre, highlighting themes of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.

In addition to Melling and Skarsgård, the cast includes notable actors like Damian Lewis and Mark Rylance. Skarsgård is also set to star in the upcoming sci-fi series Murderbot for Apple TV+, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.

With Pillion anticipated to resonate with audiences seeking bold and innovative narratives, A24 continues to cement its reputation as a distributor of unique and thought-provoking films.