Cooper Hoffman and Chase Sui Wonders Reflect on Their Emotional Threesome Scene in ‘I Want Your Sex’ at Sundance Studio

Gregg Araki Aims to Revitalize Conversations About Sex in New Film at Sundance

Filmmaker Gregg Araki is on a mission to reinvigorate discussions around sexuality with his latest project, I Want Your Sex, which premiered as his 11th entry at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday. Co-written with Karley Sciortino, the film showcases a talented Gen Z cast.

Reflecting on a pivotal scene, Cooper Hoffman described his on-screen threesome with Chase Sui Wonders and Olivia Wilde: “It felt much more serious on the day of than it actually is.” Wonders chimed in, expressing that the experience felt “really sad” and “tragic,” recalling their first days of filming, which plunged them straight into emotional depths.

The narrative features Erika Tracy, portrayed by Wilde, who temporarily pauses her BDSM arrangement to invite her sub assistant for a threesome, prompting him to bring along a friend. In a humorous twist, the characters anxiously accept the invitation without fully grasping the emotional consequences, with Wonders notably wearing a strap-on.

Hoffman later praised his co-star, saying, “This motherfucker cried… cried with a dildo on her chest! Are you out of your mind? It’s actually incredible.” While Mason Gooding’s character, Zap, delivers some of the film’s most provocative dialogue, he found himself among the few not engaged in a sex scene, remarking on the contrast of experiences during filming.

Reflecting on the film’s themes, Gooding noted its blend of humor and heartfelt moments. “It’s funny that the movie has these set-pieces of dildos on chests and sex galore, but the heartfelt nature… feels indicative of classic rom-com movies.”

Hoffman expressed his comfort filming intimate scenes under the guidance of intimacy coordinator Yehuda Duenyas, stating, “Everyone was kind of putting their guard down a little bit.” He emphasized the importance of having that safety, allowing the cast to explore intense themes on-screen.

In behind-the-scenes moments, Wonders illustrated the casual atmosphere on set, where dressing in revealing attire was met with nonchalance. "We’re all having normal-ass conversations," Hoffman added, underscoring the film’s blend of intimacy and camaraderie.

Araki highlighted that I Want Your Sex was filmed during what he referred to as “the Biden years,” wrapping production in 2024, a time he described as more optimistic. This stands in stark contrast to the nihilism that characterized his earlier work in the 1990s, such as his directorial debut The Living End, which explored the lives of HIV-positive gay lovers on a tragic journey.

Reflecting on generational differences, Araki noted a scene where the characters, representing Gen X and Gen Z, ask, “What the fuck is going on with your generation?” Through Wilde’s character, he conveyed a message aimed at younger audiences: “This is the prime of your life. Now’s the time.”

He further elaborated on the theme of youth as a time of exploration, acknowledging personal experiences from his twenties, when he felt lost yet immersed in fun and experimentation. “That kind of became the theme of the movie,” he stated.

A full video of the conversation is available for viewing.