San Francisco, California (Wednesday, January 28)— Today A24 announced the San Francisco premiere of their upcoming film PILLION at The Castro Theatre, from writer-director Harry Lighton and starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling. Skarsgård stars as a hunky, commanding leather-clad biker who takes on Melling’s character as his submissive. This will be the first premiere the historic LGBTQ+ landmark, theatre and cultural space will host since its grand re-opening.  

A24 is thrilled to bring the film to San Francisco and share for the first time at a venue so important to the LGBTQ+ and cultural communities. Lighton and Melling will both be present at the Castro for the San Francisco premiere, which will take place on Thursday, February 12. The premiere is invite-only, but interested guests may RSVP at this LINK for a chance to attend – RSVP’s and attendance is first come-first served.

PILLION is tender, sexy, and funny while thoughtfully exploring the dom/sub dynamic we rarely see portrayed on the big screen. Hailed as “the most romantic film ever made” by ATTITUDE and “hugely entertaining” by ROLLING STONE, this BDSM romance premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and has earned numerous accolades, including a Best Adapted Screenplay award at the 2025 Gotham Awards and a Directors Guild of America (DGA) nomination for Best First-Time Theatrical Feature Film.

Harry Lighton is a British writer-director based in London. In 2017, he co-wrote and directed short film Wren Boys, which went on to be nominated for Best British Short at the 2018 BAFTAs. It was also nominated for a BIFA, won Best UK Short at the UK Film Festival, and had its US Premiere at Sundance. In recent years, Lighton has worked in various capacities with director Oliver Hermanus, on Living (director’s assistant), Sky/AMC series Mary & George (directing 2nd unit) and an upcoming biopic of Alexander McQueen (writer).

About The Castro Theatre: The Castro Theatre is a world-renowned iconic venue and cherished landmark. Located in the Castro Neighborhood, San Francisco’s LGTBQ+ cultural epicenter, this designated historic landmark is the heart of the community. The Castro’s captivating interior was designed by one of San Francisco’s most prominent architects, Timothy Pfleuger. Built in 1922, the movie palace features a lavish yet intimate interior with diverse architectural influences ranging between Spanish, Asian, Italian and Art Deco. A century later in 2022, Another Planet Entertainment entered into an exclusive partnership with the theatre to execute a significant $41 million rehabilitation of the building. This includes major renovations to accommodate a wider variety of entertainment; opening the venue for the first time to standing room musical performances while still maintaining the seated experience for cinema, comedy and more. 

The re-opening will showcase the revitalization of the ceiling’s stunning original artwork along with the sgraffito murals and a long hidden historic proscenium, all masterfully restored by Evergreene Architectural Arts. Additionally, BuildIT, the world’s first LGBTQ construction advocacy organization, has played a major role providing specialized trade professionals to the project. Other key elements include modernizing the historic chandelier, revival of the iconic neon blade sign and marquee, and the installation of one of the world’s largest and most versatile digital organs, designed to the specifications of longtime Castro organist, David Hegarty. The building will feature modern amenities with a new HVAC system, additional restrooms, and for the first time a fully ADA accessible orchestra, stage and dressing rooms. Another Planet’s momentous effort will ensure this cultural gem will continue to serve as an inclusive global beacon for cultural expression to be enjoyed for generations to come.