Alexander Skarsgård recently clarified speculation surrounding his sexuality that arose during the Zurich Film Festival in October 2025. While promoting his film Pillion, in which he portrays a biker involved in a BDSM relationship with a young man, the 49-year-old actor suggested he had been with both men and women in the past. This led to discussions about his sexual orientation, prompting Skarsgård to address the matter directly in an interview with Variety released on Monday.
In the interview, Skarsgård emphasized that he did not intend to come out as bisexual. “That it resonated with my past? It was definitely not an intended statement,” he remarked. He expressed confusion over his earlier comments, stating, “I don’t know what I was talking about.” Skarsgård elaborated that he wanted to shift the focus from himself as an actor to the narrative and the characters within the film, highlighting the importance of telling authentic stories.
At the press conference for Pillion, Skarsgård’s remarks had created uncertainty regarding his sexual orientation. He commented, “I found that in this case, it’s not really relevant what my background is.” He noted, “I do have a kid, but what I’ve done in the past, who I’ve been with, men, women.” For Skarsgård, the key takeaway was the opportunity to portray a subculture in a manner he felt had not been done before—“with so much authenticity.”
Skarsgård, known for his roles in Succession and True Blood, welcomed a son in 2022 with Swedish actress Tuva Novotny. He has never been married and tends to keep his personal life private. In the Variety interview, he shared how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities. “I lived on the road. I love that aspect of the industry—you’re a traveling circus,” he reflected about his life before becoming a parent. “But now, I need to balance that with family life and making sure I can be present for my kid.”
Discussing his journey into parenthood, Skarsgård expressed gratitude for having a child later in life. In a previous conversation with Esquire, he stated, “I’m glad that I didn’t have that responsibility when I started out and could just be selfish and throw myself into anything.” He acknowledged the shift in focus that comes with having a child, noting, “That obviously changes when you have a kid and you have responsibility.”
Skarsgård concluded by emphasizing his current position, where he can afford to be selective about roles that align with his family commitments. “I am in a position today where I can afford to say no to stuff and also make sure that, when I do take a job, it works for the family,” he said, underscoring the balance he now strives to achieve.
As the conversation around his sexuality continues, Skarsgård remains focused on his craft and the stories he wishes to highlight, maintaining a commitment to authenticity both on-screen and off.
