'True Blood' Stars Bring Blood and Sex to Rolling Stone

By Steven Avalos Posted Aug 17th 2010 02:30PM

'True Blood' serves up a lot of blood. And sex. And bloody sex. And if you happen to enjoy these things, it's likely you're tuning in to HBO's mega-hit Southern vampire saga every Sunday night for a fix. But this season -- the dirtiest yet! -- has us asking, has it gone too far?

In the same pushing-the-undead-envelope spirit, the stars of the show "grace" the cover of this month's Rolling Stone, and the bloody, flesh-baring image has everyone talking.

Rolling Stone interviewed show creator Alan Ball for cover story 'The Joy of Vampire Sex,' and he takes a few jabs at a certain popular rival vampire phenom, the 'Twilight' saga. "The idea of celibate vampires is ridiculous," Ball says. "To me, vampires are sex. I don't get a vampire story about abstinence. I'm 53. I don't care about high school students. I find them irritating and uninformed."

Bigger and bloodier after the jump.

So what do the stars attribute 'True Blood's' success to? "If we go from a base level, vampires create a hole in the neck where there wasn't one before. It's a de-virginization.. So that's pretty sexy. I think that makes vampires attractive," Stephen Moyer says, who plays vampire Bill Compton.

The issue hits newsstands Friday. Read more excerpts here.

► Behind-the-Scenes Photos From the Sexy Shoot

► Rolling Stone's History of Naked Cover Stars

Tags: Alexander Skarsgard, anna paquin, rolling stone, Stephen Moyer, true blood

Comments

(63)

Tuesday 17 August

By groucho

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Of course alan Ball is having a great time pushing the envelope, and sometimes he's going to get it right and sometimes he'll misfire. But on the whole, he gets it right or pretty much so. He manages to blend horror, humor, lust, love, the grotesque, the bizarre, the tender and the sublime in one great big strange fantasy that can be a real joy to get lost in. If you don't like it, go elsewhere. Personally I think it's great.

By dleger705

Yes the magazine is in the stores for all to see but MOST store cover pictures like this so children and people that don't care about seeing things like this do not get to see it. I know the stores here where I live do that....its a plastic cover with the name of the magazine on it so they can still be sold just not viewed.

By Eric&Sookie fan

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Bottom line, the show is for adults, not for children. It's a show that doesn't appeal to everyone, but those who like it, myself included (and many of my friends who watch it who have children) watch the show when the kids are not around.

Unless you know the context of the show, you may find this photo very disturbing. I don't. This cover shows True Bloods main 3 characters who are found bloody and naked on more than one occasion. HBO is where the envelope of entertainment is constantly pushed. If you don't like, you don't watch it and that's your choice. I for one am very happy I have the option to watch this incredibly great show, with its great actors and very talented writers.

Keep it up TB!

By ThomasT

The picture is self parody. You think they don't know they're over the top? I agree, I'd hate to have to explain this to a five year old, and maybe it shouldn't have been on the cover, but covers are to sell magazines, and it sure will get attention.

By Melissa

This show is for ADULTS ONLY! It's the Best Damn show on TV! My husband and adult children and I never miss it.

By lichelle

If you think kids aren't watching this show, you are crazy. If they're into Twilight (tame) and Vampire Diaries (a little less tame) then why on earth wouldn't they want and/or try to watch this show?! Unless their parents are VIGILANT, don't be naive, kids are watching it.

By luvie

No Mark...I don't live under a rock...I've been around for a long time...71 yrs as a matter of fact....I am not an idiot...I've seen and done things, however that doesn't make it right to post this on a magazine. Ok, say kids don't have to look at it...is it on the news stands?? Or, will they put a cover on it so as not to be seen....
You might live under a rock, Mark...doesn't seem like you have too many smarts!!

Wednesday 18 August

By D

Stop being an old fuddy duddy! THIS PICTURE IS HOT! I wish I was Anna in this picture. The perfect sandwich! Yummie!

By Ed

This is one great show! Yes there is sex, (every show on HBO has sex)but the story line is fun, surprizing, engaging and keeps you wanting more. That's what entertainment is supposed to do. Get over the attitude that everything has to be geared toward kids - we adults work too hard and deserve some fun, fascinating, mindblowing shows! Thanks, HBO - and I'm looking forward to the the 30's ganster Boardwalk show in the fall also.

And let me add another note - Rolling Stone magazine was never for kids either. It has been on the cutting edge of rock/pop/ and rap entertainment since it began. It was and still is, for people who live life to the fullest and enjoy articles about top entertainment and that industry. It is only fitting that True Blood be represented in its pages and definitely on its cover. The choice of jazz and aptly chosen music used in the show should also be highlighted- I get a kick out of the parody. Good choice Rolling Stone!

By vampluver

omg what a SEXY pic!!! i want to have this cover! and for those of us that watch Trueblood understands this pic...

By Lisa

It makes me wanna do bad, bad things. lol!! I love the hand over the breast. They covered up the best damn part. ;-)

By DJ

This is art? Blood and bodies...... To me it looks like Rolling Stone Mag is getting a little desperate for civerage so now there dropping Playboy covers. Check there numbers and I bet there distribution is down..

By Jawz

omg...awesome photo of my fav true blood characters...rolling stone rocks!

By coolmamaemma

You have to really feel sorry for the people who like this show - and I've met fanatical fans - who say "this is what's so great about our country", that we can choose to watch such a show. What's sadder is that my post will be met with all kinds of remarks about how I don't have to watch, etc. I guess the people in Afghanistan don't have to watch a woman having her nose and ears cut off either. People, this is how it all starts. The desensitation to gore and blood and the occult. The violent sex. We're so alarmed when our young people go on killing sprees yet people can't wait to sit down and watch this evil show. Sick, sick people and they can't even recognize it.

You're right - this is the best "damned" show ever because if you don't see that pure evil is behind this, you're headed to front row seats in hell. What kind of parents aren't ashamed that they watch it with their adult children? And what kind of parents have you raised that watch this show and are raising your grandchildren?

Thursday 19 August

By Brittany

No matter what it is, people will find a way to make it sound like "the doom of our society" Relax people...that is the wonderful thing about the remote control...if you don't like it, don't watch it. I absolutely LOVE True Blood! I find it incredibly sexy, fascinating, romantic, fun and exciting! If you don't...don't watch it... ;)

By kiki my dear

Adult programming....like it-watch...don't like it....TURN THE CHANNEL.....not rocket science folks...

By ischoolem

This cover is so perfect! And for those of you who think it's "too much"- remember Pam Anderson- with her legs spread, a cigar in her mouth, and her NEWBORN baby on the cover? C'mon!

Friday 20 August

By liz

I love true blood and the sookie novels! I am so glad to see they made the cover! This show is so exciting and I can not wait each week to see what happens . It is the best show on television! They all look great and I hope to see them on more covers in the future!

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