Actor Cooper Hoffman opened up about managing severe on-set anxiety while filming intense intimate scenes alongside his childhood idol Olivia Wilde in director Gregg Araki’s upcoming film I Want Your Sex, according to an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Production Pressures and Immediate Intimate Filming
Hoffman portrayed Elliot, a shy young assistant working for a controversial artist named Erika Tracy, played by Wilde.
Araki stated that his extensive experience with sexually explicit cinema helped him maintain comfort on set, alongside Wilde’s familiarity with such roles. The actor recalled hiding his initial nervousness behind a bathrobe in the corner of a sofa while his co-star and director casually discussed lunch menus.
Character Dynamics and Natural Discomfort
Araki pointed out that Hoffman’s genuine awkwardness ultimately served the narrative. The director explained that the actor’s real-time discomfort naturally mirrored Elliot’s timid demeanor when facing Erika’s absolute self-assurance. Despite the initial intimidation, the inclusion of an intimacy coordinator and a respectful working environment helped ease tensions.
Did you know? Gregg Araki noted that the second day of principal photography required filming a complex three-way bedroom scene, heightening the early production hurdles for the cast.
Over time, Hoffman established a strong working rapport with Wilde. Araki emphasized that this solid chemistry remained vital to the project’s success, noting that working with an incompatible scene partner would have made the demanding shoot exceptionally difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of I Want Your Sex?
Directed by Gregg Araki and slated for release in 2026, the film follows a shy young man named Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) working as an assistant to a controversial artist named Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde).
Why did Cooper Hoffman feel anxious on set?
According to Hoffman’s interview with Entertainment Weekly, he experienced early-stage awkwardness because production schedules required him to perform in minimal attire and shoot intimate sequences starting on the very first day of filming.
How did the production team handle the intimate scenes?
Gregg Araki confirmed that the production utilized an intimacy coordinator and maintained a respectful working environment to help actors gradually build confidence and on-set chemistry.