The Wicker Husband Arrives

The Wicker Husband Arrives: Alexander Skarsgård Turns Basket Weaving Into Pure Magic

Something wild is heading to theaters this fall, and it involves Alexander Skarsgård fully transformed into a man made of woven willow. The 2026 romantic fantasy Wicker premiered at Sundance to standing ovations and strong early reviews. It now lands in limited release on October 23 before expanding nationwide on October 30.

A Fisherwoman’s Bold Commission

Olivia Colman stars as an ostracized fisherwoman living on the edge of a conservative coastal village. Tired of constant ridicule for remaining single, she marches to the local basketmaker, played by Peter Dinklage, and commissions a husband crafted entirely from wicker. When the finished creation appears, the village erupts in jealousy, fascination, and chaos.

Credit: Black Bear / Entertainment Weekly

The film, written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, adapts Ursula Wills-Jones’s short story “The Wicker Husband.” Elizabeth Debicki rounds out the lead cast as the tailor’s wife, with additional support from Richard E. Grant, Marli Siu, and Nabhaan Rizwan.

Skarsgård’s Most Unusual Role Yet

Skarsgård plays the Wicker Husband, a soulful and devoted figure brought to life through a fully practical suit created by Wētā Workshop. The design uses 3D-printed resin panels and intricate weaving, complete with facial prosthetics. No heavy CGI was required. Skarsgård has called the part a lifelong dream, joking that most actors chase Hamlet while he simply wanted “nipples made out of wicker.”

Credit: Black Bear

At the Sundance premiere he admitted the character intimidated him. Accustomed to roles full of internal conflict, he found the pure-hearted, morally steady husband a genuine stretch. The practical costume demanded exaggerated expressions and careful movement, yet the performance has been widely praised for its warmth and physical commitment.

Why the Film Hits Different

Wicker blends bawdy comedy, tender romance, and sharp observations about marriage, social pressure, and what people expect from partners. Cinematography by Lol Crawley, production design by Renátó Cseh, and a score by Anna Meredith give the story a rich, tactile atmosphere. Early critical response at Sundance sat near 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences responding to the film’s originality and the central chemistry.

Credit: Black Bear / Entertainment Weekly

The official trailer has already sparked conversation with its mix of humor, heat, and pure visual invention. Watch it here: Wicker Official Trailer.

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Sources Wikipedia: Wicker (film) Variety, Entertainment Weekly, People, Deadline, Hollywood Reporter, The Guardian (January–July 2026 coverage)