After a twelve-year break from feature filmmaking, director Gregg Araki makes his return with the erotic comedy thriller ‘I Want Your Sex.’ Co-written by Araki and Karley Sciortino, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2026, ahead of its United States release by Magnolia Pictures on July 31, 2026. The movie features Olivia Wilde as artist Erika Tracy and Cooper Hoffman as Elliot, who becomes her sexual muse.
Araki’s return to the big screen marks his first feature film since 2014’s ‘White Bird in a Blizzard.’ The film’s title, ‘I Want Your Sex,’ is intended by Araki as an homage to the sexual liberation movements of the 1980s, drawing influence from artists like George Michael, Madonna, and David Bowie.
The narrative of ‘I Want Your Sex’ centers on a sexually charged relationship between Wilde’s character, Erika Tracy, and Cooper Hoffman’s Elliot. This relationship progresses into a murder mystery, blending elements of satire, romantic comedy, and crime procedural. A central theme of the film explores modern sexuality and its dynamics, specifically questioning the perceived prudishness or ‘sexlessness’ of Gen Z, while advocating for sex-positive experimentation. Notably, the original screenplay featured a male boss and a female intern, but this dynamic was consciously reversed after the #MeToo movement, establishing Wilde’s character as the dominant figure.
Alongside Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman, the film features Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Johnny Knoxville, Margaret Cho, Roxane Mesquida, Charli XCX, and Daveed Diggs in notable roles.
Despite receiving strong reviews from critics, ‘I Want Your Sex’ has encountered box office challenges. It earned approximately $1.5 million worldwide, with factors such as limited marketing, an R-rating, and strong competition contributing to its performance.