Sharon Stone Says Modern Sex Scenes Are Missing the One Thing That Matters: Imagination

Sharon Stone's never been one to shy away from pushing the limits on screen, especially when it comes to sex scenes. But these days, she says, things have gotten a little too literal for her taste — and honestly, she might have a point.

Stone Wants More Mystery, Less 'Blatant' in Sex Scenes

On a recent CBS Mornings appearance, Stone basically admitted she's bored stiff (no pun intended) by how TV and movies do sex now. In her words:

'So often now, when sex scenes come on TV, I fast-forward. I don’t want to see it. I don’t want to have to go through all of this blatant, harsh sexuality. For me, it steals from my own imagination. And I prefer my yearning, mystery, desire. I want to keep that alive inside myself.'

She's not kidding about keeping things mysterious. Stone pointed to her infamous 'Basic Instinct' scene — the one that people have debated, paused, and zoomed in on for decades — and dropped a bit of trivia: it barely amounted to a fraction of a single film frame. Yet, that's what makes it stick in everyone's head. As Stone puts it, the intrigue, the question mark, that's the real power behind what she calls ‘profound sexuality’.

So basically, less is more. Who knew?

Yes, She’s Joining Euphoria — the Show That’s Basically Synonymous with Sex on TV

Now, here’s the kind of irony I live for: while Stone’s side-eyeing modern sex scenes, she’s jumping right into the lion’s den with season three of HBO’s Euphoria. If you haven’t watched the show, let’s just say the modesty police would have their hands full.

What’s she playing? That’s pretty much a mystery so far, but from the trailer, it looks like she’s some sort of studio boss — which feels about right. Stone herself sounded thrilled:

'There is little more exciting than going to work with this team of thrilling talent. From the genius of Sam Levinson to the raw sophistication of this profoundly moving cast and tight crew. I am honored to be Euphoric.'

The third season drops April 12 on HBO, so mark your calendars if you’re even remotely curious what Sharon Stone brings to the Euphoria universe.

She Was Also the Villain in Nobody 2

Besides TV, Stone recently popped up in Nobody 2, teaming up with Bob Odenkirk. The story is basically this: after the events of the first film, Hutch (Odenkirk) and wife Becca (Connie Nielsen) drag the kids and grandpa (Christopher Lloyd, legend as always) to a place called Wild Bill's Majestic Midway and Waterpark. Because nothing ever goes smoothly for this family, they cross paths with some local jerks — and boom, they end up in the crosshairs of the wildest, angriest crime boss Hutch has ever faced, played by Stone herself.

• Main Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone
• Setting: Four years after the first movie, at a...waterpark, of all places
• Bad Guy: Stone, cranking up the menace (and honestly, she looks like she’s having a blast)

Our own Chris Bumbray really dug it, calling the sequel a 'propulsive' and 'fun-loving' ride — the kind of chaos-infused action movie you want to catch before summer officially dies.

So, Are Modern Sex Scenes Boring?

Stone’s argument isn’t that sex scenes should disappear, just that a little mystery and subtlety tend to leave a bigger mark than another obligatory, explicit hookup. It’s an interesting take, especially from someone who practically invented the 'did-she-or-didn’t-she?' school of cinematic tension.

What do you think — has TV and film lost its touch when it comes to sex and risk? Or do you still find yourself, ahem, pausing during certain scenes?