Actor Harry Melling Prepared for 'Pillion' Role by Training with Real Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club

Harry Melling, known for his role in the "Harry Potter"franchise, is preparing for one of his most challenging and intimate roles yet in the upcoming A24 film "Pillion, "which explores a dom/sub relationship between two men. To authentically portray his character Colin, Melling spent time with members of the real-life Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club, an experience that included learning specific practices within BDSM culture.

The actor's preparation was notably hands-on. During his first pillion ride—a term referring both to the seat behind a motorcyclist and slang within queer communities—Melling traveled to Cambridge Pride with Paul Tallis, a club member who also appears in the film. Melling described the experience as "absolutely fucking terrifying, "but he fully committed to the role by wearing a leash and collar while being guided through the pride event.

Beyond the ride itself, Tallis introduced Melling to other members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club and taught him specific techniques relevant to the film's narrative. Notably, Melling learned how to properly lick a boot—a scene that appears early in the film. "There's a specific way to do it, "Melling explained to Out. "There are lots of little things to sort of bear in mind when on all fours trying to lick the boot. "

"Pillion, "directed by first-time feature filmmaker Harry Lighton and based on Adam Mars-Jones's novel, has already garnered significant critical acclaim. The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation and won the Best Screenplay award. The film also received recognition at the British Independent Film Awards and the Gotham Awards, where Lighton won Best Adapted Screenplay.

Co-star Alexander Skarsgård plays Ray, the enigmatic biker who enters into a relationship with Melling's character. The film is notable for its candid depiction of queer sexuality and BDSM dynamics, presented without gratuitous framing. According to coverage, the trailer shows the actors'bodies openly and engages in frank conversations about BDSM, set to Debbie Gibson's "I Think We're All Alone Now. "

Melling has emphasized that the film's sexual content serves narrative purposes rather than shock value. He noted that the film appealed to him precisely because it didn't feel exclusively made for people within the BDSM or queer community, but had potential to appeal to a wider audience while subverting stereotypes.

The cast also includes Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp, and Scissor Sisters vocalist Jake Shears in his acting debut, who appears as a submissive within the gay biker gang. Many real-life members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club appear throughout the film, lending authenticity to the portrayal of the community.

Director Lighton has acknowledged the film's cultural moment, noting that the gay biker group was instrumental in shaping the world depicted on screen. He emphasized the importance of showing diversity within LGBTQ+ communities, countering monolithic representations. Skarsgård similarly stressed that the couples depicted in the film "are not all the same. "

"Pillion"will be released in U. S. theaters on February 6, 2026.