From Privet Drive to Cannes: Harry Potter Star Stuns in X-Rated Film with Alexander Skarsgård!

[Dumbledore]

You’re NOT ready for this transformation! Remember Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter’s chubby, spoiled cousin? Well, Harry Melling, the actor behind the role, just stunned audiences at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the most unexpected way.

 

He stars in a daring new film called Pillion, and it’s a far cry from the family friendly corridors of Hogwarts. We're talking a bold, emotionally intense, and very adult-themed film about power, intimacy, and identity and critics are raving about it!

 

Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgard (Image: Element Pictures)

 

Set in suburban England, Pillion is based on Adam Mars-Jones’ novel Box Hill. The story follows Colin (played by Melling), a quiet, unassuming traffic officer who gets swept into a complex and emotionally raw BDSM relationship with Ray, a rebellious biker gang leader played by the ever charismatic Alexander Skarsgård.

 

Think Brokeback Mountain meets The Motorcycle Diaries, but with a darker twist.

At Cannes, Pillion received a standing ovation that lasted 8 minutes. Critics described the film as “emotionally resonant and deeply horny” (Vanity Fair’s words,  not mine!), and The Times praised Melling for a “deeply sensitive and layered performance.”

Melling’s transition from child actor to serious dramatic force is stunning. He’s barely recognisable in the best way. This role is fearless, raw, and incredibly moving.

 

For those of us who grew up watching him sneer at Harry from behind a birthday cake, Melling’s post-Potter glow-up has been low-key but impressive. After training at LAMDA, he’s turned in powerful performances in The Queen’s Gambit, The Tragedy of Macbeth, and now this.

But Pillion? This is a whole new level. A career-defining moment.

 

What do you think of Melling’s transformation? Are you intrigued by Pillion’s bold themes? Did you ever think the kid who played Dudley would become a Cannes festival darling?

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’ve seen some of his other work post-Potter. Do you think this kind of edgy role will open even more doors for him?

[Katie Riddle]

Who is that hiding under the invisibility cloak? Harry... Is that you? No?
Well, you must be a Muggle... And, you've found our magical community!

In that case, I think you should join us.
Enrol | Sign in

Once signed in you’ll be ‘sorted’ into your Hogwarts house; where you can start creating your own personalised ‘topics’ straight away, or you can also join existing conversations with fellow fans by replying to ‘threads’ and discussions that pique your interest.

[ExoElf Park]

Who is that hiding under the invisibility cloak? Harry... Is that you? No?
Well, you must be a Muggle... And, you've found our magical community!

In that case, I think you should join us.
Enrol | Sign in

Once signed in you’ll be ‘sorted’ into your Hogwarts house; where you can start creating your own personalised ‘topics’ straight away, or you can also join existing conversations with fellow fans by replying to ‘threads’ and discussions that pique your interest.