Gregg Araki's 'I Want Your Sex' Explores Art World Kink
Filmmaker Gregg Araki's new film 'I Want Your Sex' (2026) follows Elliot, a young man who becomes assistant to provocative artist Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde). Their relationship spirals from professional to sexual to criminal. Araki describes the film as a buoyant romp unpacking sexual politics and the artist-muse dynamic. Erika, a composite of Robert Mapplethorpe and Madonna, makes artworks like plaster-cast penises and a bubblegum vagina. The production team, led by Angelique Clark, used simple materials due to a tight budget, with Cal Arts students chewing gum for the vagina piece. Araki notes the film reflects today's prudish times, contrasting with his earlier work. 'I Want Your Sex' releases in U.S. theaters July 31, 2026.
Key facts
- Film directed by Gregg Araki, titled 'I Want Your Sex', releases July 31, 2026.
- Olivia Wilde plays artist Erika Tracy; Cooper Hoffman plays assistant Elliot.
- Charli XCX appears as Elliot's girlfriend.
- Erika Tracy is a composite of Robert Mapplethorpe and Madonna.
- Artworks include plaster-cast penises and a bubblegum vagina.
- Production designer Angelique Clark led the art team.
- Cal Arts students chewed gum for the bubblegum vagina artwork.
- Araki describes the film as 'bright and fun' amid grim realities.
Entities
Artists
- Gregg Araki
- Olivia Wilde
- Cooper Hoffman
- Charli XCX
- Robert Mapplethorpe
- Madonna
- Angelique Clark
Institutions
- Magnolia Pictures
- Cal Arts
Locations
- New York
- United States