Scissor Sisters' Jake Shears Makes Acting Debut As "Sub Bottom Boy" in Queer BDSM Film 'Pillion'

Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears has opened up about his acting debut in "Pillion," a British erotic romantic comedy-drama that explores the world of queer BDSM culture. Speaking at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, Shears revealed details about his character and his experience filming the boundary-pushing project .

In "Pillion," Shears portrays Kevin, a submissive character who exists within the leather and BDSM scene that serves as the film's backdrop. "I play like a sub bottom boy who's in a long-term relationship. I'm sort of in the scene that the movie takes place in, and I've been around for a lot longer than Harry Leyton's character. So there's a little bit of rivalry, a little bit of jealousy," Shears explained in his interview .

The film centers on Colin, portrayed by Harry Melling, a socially awkward parking attendant whose life transforms when he meets Ray, played by Alexander Skarsgård, a confident biker gang leader who introduces him to a dominant-submissive relationship . The narrative explores themes of sexual awakening, power dynamics, and self-discovery within the context of leather subculture.

Shears candidly discussed his time on set, acknowledging that the intimate scenes proved less challenging than the dramatic acting itself. "The acting was like – I had to work at it, it doesn't come naturally to me. So you've got to work really hard at it," he admitted .

When it came to the film's more explicit content, Shears maintained a relaxed attitude. "The sex stuff was fine. The sex was like whatever – but awesome," he said with characteristic humor .

The musician also reflected on his personal openness to the film's themes, stating, "I think I've always been pretty sexually adventurous. It was such a wicked experience though. I had a really good time" .

"Pillion" premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, where it received significant recognition. The film won the section's Best Screenplay prize for writer-director Harry Lighton's adaptation of Adam Mars-Jones' 2020 novel Box Hill . In an unexpected accolade, the film also received the Palm Dog for Mutt Moment, honoring the scene-stealing performances of its canine cast members .

The film received additional nominations for both the Caméra d'Or and the Queer Palm at Cannes, signaling strong critical reception for Lighton's directorial debut . As of its current rating, the film holds a score of 6.9 out of 10 on IMDb based on 417 user reviews, with a Metascore of 84 .

The film has generated attention for its frank depiction of queer sexuality and BDSM culture. The trailer showcases the production's commitment to authentic representation, featuring candid depictions of the actors' bodies and explicit conversations about sexual practices .

"Pillion" marks a significant addition to contemporary queer cinema by centering a narrative around leather culture and BDSM relationships, communities that have historically been integral to LGBTQ+ history but often marginalized in mainstream media representation. The film's approach to depicting these themes without sensationalism or judgment reflects an evolving landscape in queer storytelling.

Beyond Skarsgård, Melling, and Shears, the film features an ensemble cast including Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp, and Paul "Kvasir" Tallis . The production represents a collaboration between multiple companies, with distribution handled by Picturehouse and Warner Bros. Pictures UK for the United Kingdom release .

Director Harry Lighton adapted the screenplay from Adam Mars-Jones' novel, which provided the source material for this exploration of contemporary queer life and relationships . For Shears, the role marks his first significant acting credit, adding a new dimension to his career as a performer .

Though Shears revealed he had not yet seen the completed film at the time of his interview, he expressed enthusiasm about early reactions from audiences who had viewed it. "I haven't seen it yet, no," he said. "But I'm so excited that people are liking it" .

The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2025 . It will also screen at the London Film Festival in October, providing additional opportunities for audiences to experience the work before its wide release .

"Pillion" arrives at a moment when queer cinema continues to expand its scope and complexity in depicting LGBTQ+ experiences. The film's explicit engagement with BDSM culture and leather community traditions represents an important acknowledgment of subcultures that have played crucial roles in queer history and identity formation.

By casting recognizable actors like Skarsgård and featuring performers like Shears, the production brings visibility to narratives that might otherwise remain confined to niche audiences. The film's success at Cannes and its upcoming theatrical release through major distributors suggest growing mainstream acceptance of diverse queer stories.

The project also marks a significant moment for Shears, whose career has primarily centered on music performance with Scissor Sisters and as a solo artist. His willingness to take on a challenging role in his acting debut demonstrates a commitment to expanding representation of queer experiences across different artistic mediums.

As "Pillion" prepares for its UK release, the film represents both a celebration of queer cinema's continued evolution and an exploration of communities and practices that remain vital to LGBTQ+ culture. With its combination of established talent, festival recognition, and frank approach to its subject matter, the film is positioned to contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations about representation, sexuality, and identity in contemporary media.

For Jake Shears, the experience has clearly been transformative. His openness in discussing both the challenges and pleasures of the role reflects a broader cultural shift toward more honest and nuanced conversations about queer sexuality and expression. Whether the film resonates with mainstream audiences or primarily finds its home within LGBTQ+ communities, it stands as a testament to the ongoing diversification of queer storytelling in cinema.