Black Bear has released the first trailer for Wicker, offering audiences their first look at one of the year’s most unusual films. The fantasy comedy stars Alexander Skarsgård as the “Wicker Husband,” a man literally woven from wicker, opposite Academy Award winner Olivia Colman in what looks to be an equal mix of romance, comedy, and fairy tale.
Directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, Wicker premiered earlier this year at Sundance and has quickly built a reputation as one of 2026’s most original films. The newly released trailer leans into the movie’s quirky premise while showcasing its handcrafted practical effects and impressive ensemble cast.
Alexander Skarsgård Becomes the Wicker Husband
Skarsgård stars as the Wicker Husband, a magical companion created by a local basketmaker after the Fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, grows tired of being mocked by her village. Peter Dinklage plays the Basketmaker responsible for bringing the unusual character to life.
The role required Skarsgård to wear an elaborate practical costume created by the artists at Wētā Workshop, the award winning effects company best known for its work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Rather than relying on heavy CGI, the filmmakers chose practical prosthetics to create the character’s woven appearance.
Speaking about the role, Skarsgård joked that while many actors dream of playing Hamlet, his dream was always to play a man made entirely of wicker. The actor praised the filmmakers and Wētā Workshop for making that unlikely ambition a reality.
Olivia Colman Leads an Impressive Ensemble
Olivia Colman plays the Fisherwoman, whose unconventional relationship becomes the talk of the village. The trailer hints that her happiness quickly creates jealousy among the townspeople, particularly Elizabeth Debicki’s Tailor’s Wife.
Colman has built one of the strongest careers in modern cinema, winning the Academy Award for The Favourite while also starring in acclaimed projects including The Crown, The Lost Daughter, and Paddington in Peru. Peter Dinklage also adds another memorable role to his filmography following performances in Game of Thrones, Cyrano, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
According to Colman, Wicker featured one of the most original screenplays she had read in years. She also praised Skarsgård’s performance, calling him both hilarious and surprisingly moving beneath the elaborate practical makeup.
A Strange Premise That Looks Surprisingly Heartfelt
While the premise sounds intentionally bizarre, the trailer suggests Wicker offers far more than visual oddity. Beneath the whimsical concept appears to be a story about acceptance, loneliness, love, and refusing to conform to society’s expectations.
Fischer and Wilson adapted the screenplay from Ursula Wills Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband. Early footage balances absurd comedy with genuine emotion, creating something that feels unlike almost anything currently coming to theatres.
The practical craftsmanship also stands out immediately. Wētā Workshop’s work gives the Wicker Husband a tangible presence that would have been difficult to achieve through digital effects alone, making every scene feel grounded despite the fantastical premise.
Release Date
After generating positive early buzz following its Sundance premiere, Wicker will begin a limited theatrical release on October 23 before expanding nationwide on October 30.
Between its imaginative premise, acclaimed cast, striking practical effects, and heartfelt storytelling, Wicker already looks like one of the most unique films arriving in theatres this fall. The first trailer certainly makes a strong case for keeping this unconventional fantasy comedy on your watchlist.
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