Josh O’Connor calls film sex scenes “the least sexy thing in the world”

Josh O’Connor, discusses the unglamorous reality of filming sex scenes, calling them "the least sexy."

Josh O’Connor, one of the stars of Luca Guadagnino’s film Challengers, recently shared his candid thoughts on filming intimate scenes. 

O’Connor, who stars alongside Zendaya and Mike Faist in the love-triangle drama, remarked that, despite how these scenes may appear onscreen, they are "the least sexy thing in the world." Describing the scenes as choreographed and rehearsed, he compared them to "a fight sequence, a bit of action, or a dance," emphasizing the presence of crew, cameras, and lighting, which strip away any romance.

O’Connor’s comments follow a similar sentiment expressed by Paul Mescal, who previously mentioned that portraying post-intimacy tenderness was more challenging. O'Connor added that moments of intimacy can be intimidating because they require vulnerability and tapping into emotions that are often hidden.

The film has not only sparked discussions around the realism of onscreen intimacy but also gained praise for its portrayal of tennis culture. Zendaya, who plays tennis pro Tashi Donaldson, revealed that professional players thanked her for making the sport "cool and sexy." Challengers, noted for its exceptional performances and chemistry between the lead actors, continues to captivate audiences.