Filmmaker Gregg Araki released the official trailer for his upcoming film, “I Want Your Sex,” on Aug. 19, 2026 [1].
The project marks a return to Araki's career-long exploration of sexuality. By addressing contemporary shifts in social norms, the film attempts to reconcile romantic desire with the modern expectations of consent and power.
The trailer, which runs for two minutes and 13 seconds [2], premiered online via the film’s official YouTube channel. It has since been featured across entertainment platforms in the U.S. and Australia [3].
Araki said he wanted to make a film that talks about desire in the age of consent culture [4]. This thematic focus extends to the casting and character development. Araki said he switched the gender dynamics to reflect the #MeToo conversation [5].
While Araki linked the shift in gender roles to the #MeToo movement, other reports suggest the decision was primarily an artistic choice unrelated to that specific social movement [6]. This contradiction highlights the tension between the director's stated intent and external interpretations of the film's creative process.
Costume designer Arianne Phillips contributed to the visual identity of the film to reinforce these themes. Phillips said the costumes are meant to be both playful and subversive, mirroring the film’s take on modern sexuality [7].
The release comes amid a broader trend of romantic comedies focusing on explicit conversations about sex and boundaries. By centering the narrative on these dynamics, Araki continues to challenge traditional cinematic depictions of intimacy.
“"I wanted to make a film that talks about desire in the age of consent culture."”
The film represents a cinematic attempt to update the romantic comedy genre for a post-#MeToo era. By intentionally flipping gender roles and focusing on consent, Araki is testing whether traditional narratives of sexual pursuit can be reimagined without relying on outdated power imbalances.
