Patrick Wilson has opened up about filming an intense sex scene with Kate Winslet in the 2006 film Little Children—and addressed long-standing rumors that the passionate shoot left Winslet bruised.
In the critically acclaimed drama, Wilson and Winslet play two restless suburban parents who embark on an affair after meeting through their children’s playdates. The film’s steamy love scenes have since become a standout memory for many fans.
Speaking on the It Happened in Hollywood podcast, Wilson reflected on how much Hollywood has changed since filming the movie nearly 20 years ago, particularly in how intimate scenes are handled today.
“[Kate] was so cool and gracious and just a gamer—just like, ‘Let’s go for it,’” Wilson recalled.
“There was never one awkward or weird moment. Never one. I loved it.”
No Body Doubles, Just “Modesty Coverings”
Wilson confirmed that no body doubles were used for the scene, meaning it was really him and Winslet—completely nude, aside from modesty coverings strategically placed out of sight.
However, he also acknowledged the physical intensity of the performance, responding to long-standing speculation that Winslet ended up with bruises from their on-screen passion.
“I’m sure there were lots of bruises,” Wilson admitted.
“Put it this way: I haven’t done a scene like that since post-#MeToo and intimacy coordinators. I do feel a little bit like a dinosaur when it comes to [having appeared in] those kinds of love scenes.”
Winslet’s Take: “We Laughed a Lot”
Winslet, too, has spoken about the scene over the years, explaining how she and Wilson prepared in a comfortable and professional way.
“We rehearsed the scene fully clothed, without anyone in the room; just us and Todd [Field, the director], and we just got a general shape of the scene so we knew what to expect,” she shared.
“We did look out for each other, and we laughed a hell of a lot. It sounds ridiculous, but at a certain point, you forget that you’re naked with a relative stranger.”
Despite their careful approach, Winslet admitted the scene took a toll on her physically.
“My hips and backside really hurt the next day,” she recalled.
A Different Era for On-Screen Intimacy
The Little Children love scene stands in stark contrast to modern Hollywood, where intimacy coordinators are now standard practice to ensure actors feel safe and comfortable during sex scenes.
While Wilson expressed gratitude for how well the scene was handled at the time, he acknowledged that the industry has evolved, making his past experience feel somewhat outdated.
“I do feel a little bit like a dinosaur,” he admitted.
Despite the bruises and discomfort, both actors have spoken fondly of their collaboration, ensuring that one of Hollywood’s most talked-about sex scenes was both authentic and professionally executed.
