Stellan Skarsgård Opens Up About His Most Uncomfortable On-Screen Moment
Swedish star Stellan Skarsgård shares why filming karaoke scenes for a BBC detective series left him deeply embarrassed, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges behind his acclaimed acting career.
Stellan Skarsgård may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Hollywood ’s top earners, but his filmography tells a different story. With a staggering $11.3 billion in global box office receipts, he’s quietly become one of the most successful actors in the business. His roles in blockbuster franchises like Marvel ’s Avengers and Pirates of the Caribbean have helped cement his place among the industry’s elite. Yet, his career stretches far beyond the big screen, with a legacy that includes Oscar- winning films and a family of actors, including sons Bill and Alexander, who have followed in his footsteps.
Skarsgård’s television work is just as impressive. He delivered a standout performance as Boris Shcherbina in the acclaimed HBO miniseries Chernobyl, a role that earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. The show itself was celebrated as one of the greatest limited series ever made. Before that, he took on the lead in the BBC detective drama River, portraying a London police officer grappling with profound grief. The series, penned by Oscar-winner Abi Walker, was praised by critics, and Skarsgård’s nuanced performance drew particular acclaim.
Stepping Out of His Comfort Zone
Despite his many accolades, not every moment on set has been easy for Skarsgård. While filming River, he found himself pushed far beyond his comfort zone, especially during scenes that required him to sing and dance. These moments, designed to show his character reconnecting with life, proved to be a real challenge.
“Those singing and dancing scenes? I did not enjoy them. I was really embarrassed. But this profession is constant humiliation. My entire organism revolts at the thought of doing karaoke. I can’t do it. And I’m a bad singer.”
Skarsgård admitted. The discomfort was so intense that he was relieved when the series wrapped after just one season, allowing him to move on to other projects.
From TV Drama to Blockbuster Films
After River, Skarsgård shifted gears, taking on a role in the British thriller Our Kind of Traitor, based on a John le Carré novel. His career then soared to new heights with his portrayal of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films. These movies, along with his return to the Marvel universe in Thor: Love and Thunder, have collectively grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. However, fans won’t see him in the third Dune installment, which is set for release in late 2026.
Family Rivalry and New Projects
This year, Skarsgård has been earning praise for his role in the Norwegian comedy- drama Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier. The film follows two sisters trying to reconnect with their egotistical filmmaker father, played by Skarsgård, and is already generating awards buzz. In a twist, he may find himself competing against his own son, Alexander, who has been lauded for his performance in Pillion, a British drama about a gay biker gang. The film, which also stars Harry Melling, has sparked controversy for its explicit content but took home the Best Screenplay prize at the Cannes Film Festival.