Alexander Skarsgard prefers to do full-frontal nude scenes sans sock

Alexander Skarsgard, who's nude and bloody hot on the cover of Rolling Stone, prefers to do his nude sex scenes for True Blood completely in the buff --- without the sock that most actors wear during explicit scenes.

"I don’t want a sock around it, that feels ridiculous," Skarsgard, 33, tells Rolling Stone. "If we’re naked in the scene, then I’m naked. I’ve always been that way.”

Meanwhile, co-star Anna Paquin ("Sookie Stackhouse") wears a "patch" – a thong-like attire with the sides cut off – during her nude scenes, while her co-star (and real-life fiance) Stephen Moyer ("Bill Compton") dons a sock because he doesn't want others to feel uncomfortable.

"I've got nothing to hide," shrugs Moyer. "I just think it might be embarrassing for the crew."

The athletic 6'4" Alexander, who works out nonstop (during filming) to maintain his buff physique, is so at ease being nude on the set his female co-stars joke about it. "Alex could care less [about being naked]," laughs Kristen Bauer, who plays vampire Pam.

Co-star Carrie Preston agrees. "Alex is not shy about getting naked at all!” she says. But the entire True Blood cast concedes they have to diet strictly and work out daily to look good on-camera.

'I DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT ME'

Meanwhile, Skarsgard, who has become a target of paparazzi and celebrity tabloids thanks to his star-making turn as Eric Northman, prefers to remain mysterious so viewers don't confuse his real-life persona for his on-screen alter ego.

“I don’t want people to know too much about me," he says. "It’s easier for people to suspend disbelief that way. There’s a risk when people see you in a part and they’re watching Alexander Skarsgard. Also, I learned from my father [respected actor Stellan Skarsgard] to keep your integrity and protect your family. There are certain things that you can talk about and certain things you shouldn’t talk about.”

In addition to hitting the gym often, Alex modeled his bad-boy vampire after the majestic lion. "Eric's like he’s a male lion," explains Skarsgard. "He looks so relaxed, his heartbeat is probably 15 beats a minute, but you don’t know if he’s going to pounce, or attack, or yawn.”

Season 3 of True Blood is currently airing on HBO, with Season 4 set to begin shooting this fall.

See more on True Blood and Alexander Skarsgard:

• More sizzling Alexander Skarsgard photos in Rolling Stone
  
• Nude True Blood Adonis Alexander Skarsgard covers Rolling Stone
• Alexander Skarsgard: I can be self-destructive and intense
  
• Alexander Skarsgard: 'I am not a Hollywood guy' (video)
• True Blood hunk Joe Manganiello: My diet and workout secrets (photos)
  
• Alexander Skarsgard works out 'all the time,' says co-star (photos)
  
• Alexander Skarsgard: I'm a huge soccer fan (video interview)
  
• Stellan Skarsgard on son Alexander: 'He's wiser, prettier and better'
• Alexander Skarsgard: I was an anti-terrorist soldier in Swedish army