Taylor Kitsch says his sex scenes with Blake Lively were "really awkward".

The actor stars alongside the Gossip Girl actress in the crime-thriller film Savages, which also features Salma Hayek and Benicio del Toro.

Taylor admits the intimate scenes with Blake were uncomfortable at times.

"It's very awkward to do, you know, and I was just glad it was over with, to be honest," he told People. "And it's such a big part of [my character] and who he is, and that's how you meet him. So it's a pretty intense reveal, no pun intended."

Taylor and Blake didn't have the luxury of getting to know each other before they shot the risqu parts of the film. The Canadian star has joked they had to make do when it came to feigning sexual chemistry.

"A lot of sexual improv was going on there," he smiled. "God knows we had two weeks of rehearsal, so we talked until we were about to pass out, and then [we shot the sex scenes] on the day I think I knew Blake three days four days maybe."

Taylor is famed for his roles in science fiction movies, including John Carter and Battleship. The 31-year-old star has sworn off the genre for now, but still tried his luck with Savages director Oliver Stone.

"I kept pitching aliens to Oliver, but he wasn't buying it," he said.

"Just going off another actor and really searching and creating and collaborating is refreshing, and I'll stay on that track."