SAN FRANCISCO—Have we wandered back in time 60 years? Filmed in Spain, the 1966 hit film Django stands as an all-time classic. But that isn’t the quintessential Spaghetti Western recently released by NakedSword Originals.
It’s easy to get confused, because in Ashes Before Dawn—also filmed in Spain—Sir Peter channels fellow cinema icon Franco Nero to smoldering success. Except he used another legend as inspiration.
“A lot of it goes back to Paul Newman,” the 2026 GayVN Performer of the Year says. “For me, he was one of the greatest actors ever, and one of the most handsome men of all time.”
The Oscar winner performed in many Westerns during his career. But the one that stuck with Sir Peter was The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean from 1972.
“That movie had a huge impact on me the first time I saw it. Westerns have this incredible energy. There’s something very primal and raw about that image of masculinity,” he says. “Roy Bean is an iconic film for me. It gave me a lot of inspiration in terms of attitude and presence. I always try to research and find references when preparing for a role. Watching classic performances helps me understand the tone and energy I want to bring into the character. I like to think that channeling a bit of Paul Newman’s style and charisma is a tribute to someone whose work I really admire.”
Mission accomplished. The Falcon | NakedSword exclusive shines in Ashes, a star-studded gay porn Western in the tradition of must-see porn classis like To the Last Man, BuckleRoos and How the West Was Hung. Director Alter Sin’s love for the genre explodes off the screen like a fistful of dynamite.
“Westerns are inherently physical and masculine—they deal with rugged environments, power dynamics, and isolation, which all lend themselves naturally to erotic storytelling,” Sin says. “There’s also something timeless about the archetypes: the outlaw, the drifter, the lawman.”
The Wild West has never been so hot. The project debuted in late March, and releases its climax this week—a Sir Peter and Paddy O’Brian reunion that’s even better than we dreamed. Joining the industry icons are Jolian, Magnus Loki, Serg Shepard, John Brachalli, Caio Rodrigues, and John Jai (who just signed on as a Falcon | NakedSword exclusive). Sin says he was looking for performers who could embody the physicality of the Western archetype—but also bring nuance and chemistry.
“What really draws me to Westerns is the way they tell very simple stories with a lot of emotional depth,” he says. “There’s often very little dialogue, but everything is carried through looks, silences and tension. That kind of storytelling really resonates with me, and I wanted to see what I was capable of doing.”
He adds that cinematography is also a huge influence—the wide landscapes contrasted with very intimate close-ups, the pacing, and the way tension is built visually rather than explained.
Sin says the idea for the project started with the location, noting it was a huge asset in creating realism by providing natural textures and scale that would be hard to replicate on a set.
“I found this place that had such a strong, raw atmosphere—it immediately felt like a Western world. From there, everything grew around it. I began imagining the characters, the dynamics, and how that sense of isolation and masculinity could translate into something both cinematic and erotic. It all came from that initial feeling the place gave me.”
The setting also had an effect on Sir Peter: “One of my favorite things was the location. It wasn’t my first time on a set like that, but this particular Old West town was already fully built, and the moment you step into a space like that, you immediately become part of it.”
Sin notes that the script evolved from a loose concept into something much more character-driven. It was brought to life by his cast, which the director says helped make the world feel more lived-in.
“Initially, it leaned heavily on genre tropes, but over time I focused more on relationships and emotional stakes. Dialogue became sharper, scenes more purposeful, and the pacing more deliberate. It was important that every moment served the story,” he said, noting he wanted a tone that balanced tension, intimacy and authenticity.
“I was aiming for something restrained, tense and immersive—where the atmosphere does as much work as the action itself. The goal was to make it feel cinematic, but still raw and grounded at the same time.”
Sir Peter is convinced: “Alter’s cinematography elevates everything. When I show people the trailer, they often say, ‘This looks like a real movie.’ And it is; that’s exactly the point.”
Peter plays a mysterious outlaw who returns to his desert hometown on a mission to uncover the dark and mysterious truth surrounding his father. The tension between him and O’Brian serves as the driving force of the narrative.
“Having them together again felt like everything just clicked instantly. Their chemistry is very natural—it doesn’t feel forced or overly performed. They understand each other’s rhythms, which allows scenes to flow organically. That kind of connection is hard to manufacture; it comes from experience and mutual respect,” Sin says.
“Working with them has always been incredibly collaborative. There’s a level of trust and understanding that develops over time, which makes the process smoother and more creative. They both bring professionalism, charisma, and a willingness to push boundaries in a way that elevates the material.”
Sin co-directed the two industry legends in their epic two-part flip scene from Spain in the Ass, which was nominated for Best Duo Scene at this year’s GayVN Awards. He also directed O’Brian to a Best Actor win in the Falcon / MenAtPlay collab To the Nines.
“Paddy has this playful, slightly mischievous energy you can see it in his eyes. At the same time, he’s warm, fun, and a truly talented performer,” Sir Peter says. “What’s wild for me is thinking back to a few years ago, before I was even in the industry, when I looked up to him—and now I get to work with him and call him a friend.”
And it shows on camera, their passion finally exploding in the upcoming finale where they manhandle Shepard in a DP threeway.
“I know him better now. I understand how he works, how he thinks, and how he approaches a scene. That familiarity makes everything flow more naturally,” Sir Peter says of O’Brian. “He’s incredibly kind, understanding and funny.”
Although it took some work to get there. When they first met, they had to overcome the language barrier…even though they both speak English.
“At the beginning, I’ll admit, I sometimes struggled to understand Paddy—especially when he gets excited and his Irish accent really comes through. But honestly, I do the same in Portuguese, so I get it,” Peter laughs. “He’s a ball of energy. Sometimes it’s hard to match him because he’s always ‘on.’ He’s the life of the party, full of presence. But when it’s time to work, he’s completely focused. He steps into the scene fully—he’s in the zone, aware and intentional. I’ve learned a lot from him both professionally and personally. He’s not a legend by chance.”
For O’Brian, the feeling was mutual: “I love Sir Peter inside and out. He’s a real friend and such a lovable guy. I’ll never forget this project. I’m a big fan of Westerns. I love history and definitely could see myself having been a sheriff or a cowboy. Westerns explain a lot about the world—long before we got where we are now. Being a part of this has meant the world to me.”
Ashes continues the prestigious Sin & Sir library, with the director further cementing Sir Peter as his leading muse (an honor he shares with Ben Rush). In addition to Spain in the Ass, the two have also collaborated on The Barcelona Job, The Devil You Know, Heart On and To the Nines.
“This opportunity came about very naturally. Alter Sin and I were just talking about things we’d still love to do, and how great it would be if we could make them happen together. We’ve always shared a love for Westerns, especially the classic films from the ’50s and ’60s,” Sir Peter said.
A few months later, everything aligned. Now the duo has arguably their strongest collaboration yet.
“I still feel incredibly privileged, lucky and humbled whenever a director thinks of me for a project, especially after six or seven years in the industry. I’ve played many different characters across different worlds, but I had never played a cowboy, and that’s something I always wanted to do (along with playing a firefighter, which is still on my list).”
Peter says he approached the role with as much depth as he could, drawing on his theater background.
“There’s still a misconception that performances in this space aren’t as layered or meaningful as in mainstream productions, but I completely disagree. I don’t see them as less valuable or significant. In fact, what we do isn’t that far off what’s happening on streaming platforms. I believe bringing depth and intention here matters even more,” he says.
“There are moments that are confrontational and intense, especially with Paddy; and others that are more vulnerable, like with Julian. I tried to stay true to what was written and to what the character had been through. I had a lot of fun. Every day on set felt rewarding…I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished.”
And the aura on set wasn’t just aided by the location. Sin adds that the sets and costumes were essential in grounding the film in its world. The director paid close attention to detail—from fabrics to props—to make everything feel cohesive. The wardrobe especially helped the performers step into their roles, enhancing the visual appeal.
That is, with one exception...
“One thing I’ll never forget: the boots,” Sir Peter laments. “They were technically my size, but clearly made for a much slimmer foot back in the day. Mine are wider, so wearing them all day was brutal. At one point, I couldn’t take it anymore. I was like, ‘I don’t need anything… just let me take these boots off.’ When we finally wrapped that part, I was literally on the floor trying to pull them off my feet. It was painful, but also hilarious looking back because we have videos of that and many more moments to watch and share. If anyone asks me what I remember most about this movie, honestly, it might be those boots.”
It’s one of many memories Sin remembers with a smile.
“My favorite memories were on set when I saw the face of everyone so involved and happy about the project—and the last day when I was driving back for more than eight hours with an amazing feeling being proud of what we all did together.”
Photography courtesy of NakedSword
