KISS OFF

Brent Corrigan Entertains With His Pants On In Judas Kiss

Brent Corrigan is going by Sean Paul Lockhart these days.

It’s his “real” name and an indication that the 25-year-old is taking more legit roles, with credits including Big Gay Musical, Another Gay Sequel and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-him appearance in Gus Van Sant’s Milk. Now Lockhart is getting closer to center stage in the indie gay thriller Judas Kiss, coming to DVD on October 25.

In the film, Lockhart plays Chris, the love interest to student filmmaker Danny (Richard Harmon). Danny’s kind of going through a rough patch after a strange encounter with… himself. Well an older version of himself, played by Charlie David (Dante’s Cove).

Where does Lockhart think his older self will be in a decade or two? “Directing and writing! I’d like to have had a few books published. Once I get my nonfiction piece, Incorrigible, done, I want to visit some works of fiction,” he says. “In fifteen years [I want to be] married with five horses and 2.5 dogs. No children. I’m not fit for that!” We chatted with Brett… er, Sean about the film, the movie industry (both adult and mainstream) and what he’d tell his younger self.

 

How did the part in Judas Kiss come your way?

I got the part from previously working with J.T. in a short film written and directed by Judas Kiss co-producer Jody Wheeler. That short, “Out of the Closet” did the festival circuit the same time as Another Gay Sequel, where I played Stan the Merman. I was fortunate to get such a big break with a director as understanding as J.T. and actors as supportive as [Judas co-stars] Richard Harmon and Timo Descamps. I was very new to the whole process and required more rehearsal and prep time. They were all so willing to put in the extra hours with me to ensure that the movie could be as great as possible.
What made you want to do the movie?

J.T. felt it was high time queer cinema showed a side of me that hadn’t yet been revealed in a larger capacity. He was adamant about not using my physicality to sell the film. Though, honestly, we all recognize the Brent Corrigan name has garnered the movie some much-needed [publicity]. Viewers are hooked by the name and interested to see whether I can hack it or not. And then, thankfully, pleasantly surprised I’m not half bad with my clothing on after all [Laughs]. I just needed that first chance—and Judas Kiss was it.

 

Did you relate to your character?

Chris is a good, honest kid with a true heart and soul—he’s the golden boy. I was surprised, personally, at how easy it was for me to become so open and vulnerable , which is Chris to the core. I relate most to Chris’ determination and work ethic. I started my first company at 19. Now, at 25, I’ve signed an option for my book and a film based on my book. The exterior of Judas Kiss is about filmmakers and what a rat race, or even crap shoot, getting to become a filmmaker can be. Chris does his time, pays his dues, doesn’t manipulate people, chooses not to cut corners and it ultimately pays off for him. While I can’t say as a young person I didn’t cut a few corners myself, I can say I learned first hand just how severe the backlash can be.

 

How was working with Richard Harmon?

Richard is immensely talented! He’s going to do some really great things and I feel very proud to get a chance to know him at this stage in his career.  I’ve avoided seeing him in Dear Mr. Gacy because John Wayne Gacy’s story makes my skin crawl. He reminds me too much of my first adult-film producer. That guy was very predatory—even if he wasn’t necessarily murderous about it.


NEXT: spilled Milk, going back in time, and more!

What was the production like—Rushed? Controlled? Fun?

We stayed in the dorms at University of Washington. I was always trying to get the cast drunk with me on cheap wines! Once or twice I got the kids in trouble for even just having them in my dorm room while we were drinking. Nothing illegal was going on but considering the scope of the project and the resources available for it there simply was no room for mistakes and fuck ups.  I’d say the only funky thing about shooting was using the community bathrooms and getting a heavy 20-day dose of dorm life.  The Judas Kiss gang is a fairly tame group, but I love that. After coming out of the adult world I don’t need any more crazies. I just want to tell stories, make art and find some personal pride and satisfaction in knowing I can stir something in someone without having to take my pants off to do it!  That takes more focus and professionalism.

 

What’s the story behind your appearance in Milk?

I actually read for a much bigger part in that film, but looking back there was no way I was every going to be seriously considered for it. It was an embarrassment walking into that casting room and reading the way I did. I was set up to fail.  The disappointment is rooted more in that this group of filmmakers and filmmakers’ friends that were courting me for the role were basically playing me. I was smart enough not to fall prey to any of it. I suspected what was going on. Though, admittedly I was hopeful. I managed to get the tiniest credited featured “extras” role by chance while on vacation in San Francisco. The set was magical and I was there in hair and makeup right next to Emile Hirsch. I’ve met Gus a few times since and he’s always been polite. He wasn’t involved in the failed casting process. People always like to mention I’m in Milk [but] It’s embarrassing for me because it’s literally a flash on screen. The lines I had were cut.”


Any upcoming projects?

Keep an eye on my new website for all the latest. I’m bringing back the social commentary and even reviving a blog thread I used to do called “Indie-Induced Hard On.” I just want to talk about great film, share news about my upcoming projects and make sure people understand there’s a separation between my work as Brent Corrigan and the work I’m doing as Sean.


Given the chance, would you go back in time and have a conversation with your younger self?

I’ve thought about this… Even if I had the chance I know my younger self wouldn’t listen to me unless I revealed who I was, which I think would be a mistake. I wouldn’t want to change too much about the way my life turned out, just minor things. It’s like the Butterfly Effect, though. You can’t drop one or two little hints, make little adjustments, and expect things not to turn out radically different. Considering that I’ve made some momentous mistakes in my life, and so much of what I aimed for and wanted for myself has failed, I know that today I’m in a much better place than I would have been if I had made the perfectly succinct decision at every one of those crossroads.

We’ve all heard it before: It’s not always the destination we arrive at but the journey we take to get there. Where we are at one time in our lives is never our final destination.

 

Judas Kiss comes to DVD on October 25. Check out Queerty’s slideshow of Brett’s evolution from porn star to mainstream actor.

 

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated