Joshua Jackson Reflects on His First Onscreen Sex Scene in ‘Cruel Intentions’
After more than 25 years in the spotlight, Joshua Jackson still feels a hint of embarrassment when he thinks back to one of his earliest onscreen experiences — a sex scene in the iconic film Cruel Intentions. In a recent interview with Men’s Health, the actor, who portrayed Blaine Tuttle in the 1999 teen drama, shared a memorable encounter with his co-star Eric Mabius. This scene, a modern twist on the classic Dangerous Liaisons, featured a brief gay encounter that has stuck with Jackson over the years.
“I wasn’t on Cruel Intentions very much,” Jackson recalled, “but I do believe that my first day on set involved giving a man oral sex.” He admitted that at just 19 years old, it was quite the challenge for a heterosexual young man. “It can be stressful to sit in a room and perform such a scene,” he added. Jackson approached this “stress test” with determination, committing fully to the role and ensuring he was “all-in” for the character.
In the film, Blaine’s storyline involves seducing closeted jock Greg McConnell, played by Mabius, as part of a scheme orchestrated by his friend Sebastian Valmont, portrayed by Ryan Phillippe. Fast forward years later, Jackson had a chance encounter with Mabius while taking out the trash. “I hadn’t seen Eric in a long time, and then one day I noticed he and his wife walking by after moving in down the street,” he recounted.
Their eyes met, and in that moment, Jackson couldn’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia. “We exchanged a casual ‘Hey, what’s up?’ and his wife asked, ‘Oh, how do you guys know each other?’” Jackson shared. “Both of us, now well into our 30s, blushed bright red, thinking about how to explain our unique connection.”
This candid reflection not only highlights Jackson’s growth as an actor but also the lasting impact of his early roles. His experience serves as a reminder of how formative moments in our careers can shape our personal narratives in unexpected ways.
