Olivia Wilde’s upcoming drama I Want Your Sex is attracting attention for more than its provocative subject. Director Gregg Araki has revealed that the film’s screenplay was inspired by a real-life experience shared by co-writer Karley Sciortino. The director also discussed how the project changed during development.
The surprising real story behind Olivia Wilde’s BDSM role in I Want Your Sex
Olivia Wilde’s role in I Want Your Sex has an unexpected personal origin. Director Gregg Araki has revealed that the film’s story grew out of co-writer Karley Sciortino’s real-life BDSM relationship with a former employer. He also explained how he altered the screenplay and incorporated many of his own views into Wilde’s character.
Speaking with GQ, Araki revealed that Sciortino based the screenplay on her own BDSM relationship with a former employer. He also revealed that he identifies with Elliot, explaining that the character’s single hoop earring and hand tattoos were similar to his own appearance.
Araki went on to explain that the screenplay originally told a different story. “The original script was about a female intern and a male boss, and it was more like a comedic 50 Shades of Gray or Secretary,” he said.
Discussing Wilde’s character Erika Tracy, Araki said many of her lines reflect his own views. “I put a lot of myself in Erika Tracy. A lot of the things Erika Tracy says, particularly in that first interview, where she’s talking about sexuality and how it’s important to her art and all of that, is literally quote-for-quote things I’ve said in interviews before. She’s a mouthpiece for me in a lot of ways,” he said.
The director also said he sees himself in Elliot, noting, “He is the way I was when I was in my early 20s—this confused, wannabe artist, finding my way in the world.”
I Want Your Sex is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 31, 2026.
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