Gillian Anderson, 58, recently spoke candidly about her new role in the erotic slasher film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," addressing the challenges she faced playing the on-screen lover of a woman half her age. Anderson portrays Billy Presley, a reclusive former horror movie star, opposite 31-year-old Hannah Einbinder. The role caused some initial unease for Anderson, as Einbinder is the same age as her real-life daughter, Piper.
Anderson emphasized the importance of ensuring that her character’s relationship did not come across as “creepy” or “predatory,” describing the need to balance purposefulness with sensitivity. “It needed to feel very purposeful,” she said, adding that it was crucial the dynamic was unsettling only “in the places where it was meant to be weird.”
The film was released in UK cinemas last week and Anderson’s performance has already drawn significant praise, with some industry observers mentioning Oscar buzz. Alongside navigating the complexities of her character’s relationship, Anderson revealed that working in the horror genre remains personally challenging. She recounted a particularly difficult experience in her teens when she watched "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" while under the influence of cannabis, which left a lasting impact on her perception of horror films.
“I didn’t have a big horror education, and it still triggers me a little bit,” Anderson said. She expressed discomfort with slasher, horror, and psychological thriller genres but found it fulfilling to embody a character who leans into fear and darkness, describing the experience as a “fun journey” with her relationship to dark themes.
Anderson’s role in “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” marks a notable moment in her career, coming 30 years after she was voted the Sexiest Woman in the World by FHM readers during the height of "The X-Files" fame. Reflecting on her career, she noted that early on, her life revolved largely around work and motherhood, contrasting sharply with the glamour often associated with her status.
Today, Anderson embraces her career and sexuality on her own terms. She has written a bestselling book, "Want," which is a collection of anonymous sexual fantasies by women globally, and has launched a cheeky drinks line called “G Spot.” She advocates for cultivating confidence by shedding concern over others’ opinions, asserting that genuine sexiness comes from a sense of belonging and self-assurance.
Since gaining worldwide recognition for her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully on "The X-Files" (1993-2018), Anderson has taken on a diverse array of characters, including Lily Bart in the film "The House of Mirth" (2000), Jean Milburn in Netflix’s "Sex Education" (2019-2023), and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Crown" (2020). She is slated to appear in two upcoming Netflix projects: the thriller "Animals," alongside Ben Affleck, and the limited series "The Boys From Brazil," centered on a Holocaust survivor seeking Nazi fugitives.
Anderson is also rumored to take part in the highly anticipated "X-Files" reboot, which is being developed by filmmaker Ryan Coogler. She supports the involvement of Coogler, describing it as a “radical concept” and commending the showrunner Chris Carter for entrusting him with the franchise.
Despite her busy schedule, Anderson remains mindful about selecting projects and acknowledges sometimes taking on too much work. She described needing patience and faith that the right opportunities will come, even as she admits to often embracing many roles at once.
Anderson continues to engage with "X-Files" fans, frequently attending events such as Comic Cons. While she does not fully grasp the intense fandom, she respects the importance of these characters and stories in helping fans express and define aspects of their identities. Anderson appreciates the opportunity to embody a figure that holds profound meaning for many people, even as she maintains a grounded perspective on her own fame.