Alexander Skarsgård and William Shatner come from different backgrounds, but both are seasoned actors. Although they have never worked together, Shatner recently brought up Skarsgård’s Pillion while recounting an unusual interaction with a longtime friend.
William Shatner says a spontaneous gesture from his longtime friend left him confused
The 95-year-old actor appeared on Wednesday’s episode of the Dropping Names podcast with Brent and Jonny. During the conversation, William Shatner revealed that a spontaneous gesture from his longtime friend left him confused.
Shatner said, “He and I are doing publicity for a show we’re going to do, right? And we’re on camera, right? And I said, ‘Well, I don’t think I’ve got—’ and he goes like this.”
The Canadian actor began explaining the incident, then gestured for Brent Spiner to step forward and demonstrate the reaction. Instead of interrupting Shatner verbally, his friend simply placed his hand in front of the actor’s face and pushed him backward, as Shatner demonstrated on Spiner.
Addressing the gesture, Shatner said, “Have you seen that movie, Pillar? Pillari?” before finally recalling the title, Pillion.
“It’s two gay guys. It’s Alexander Skarsgård. It’s the most incredible movie. The world of homosexuality I’m not familiar with. Are you?” the actor said.
During the podcast, William Shatner discussed the Swedish actor’s film while reflecting on his longtime friend’s gesture. He explained that the film offered him a closer look at the complexities of human relationships and how certain gestures can reflect the dynamics between two people.
Pillion is a 2026 English-language romantic drama and black comedy directed by Harry Lighton, marking his feature film directorial debut. The film stars Alexander Skarsgård as a mysterious biker and Harry Melling as Colin, a shy young man.
During the podcast, the Boston Legal star praised the film for offering him insight into a world he said he had not previously understood.
