The upcoming film Wicker has sparked an unexpected wave of viral memes and suggestive social media humor, with lead actress Olivia Colman admitting she has never witnessed such a reaction to her previous projects. Described as 2026’s most eccentric romantic comedy, the movie has captivated audiences online, drawing attention from various fan communities and even prompting a lighthearted acknowledgment from Ikea, which shared images of rattan furniture with the caption “husband material.” External, it has already been described as 2026’s weirdest rom-com. When asked why she thinks people are so fascinated and so thirsty for the wicker husband, Colman answered: “We all love a little bit of escapism.
Speaking at the London Film Festival, Colman expressed her surprise at the intensity of the online discourse. “No, literally this has never happened for anything I’ve done before,” she noted, adding with a laugh that placing Alexander Skarsgård in a striking wicker costume has clearly grabbed everyone’s attention. In the film, which is based on the short story by Ursula Wills-Jones, Colman portrays a lonely fisherwoman in a medieval village who, tired of being ostracized for her single status, commissions a basketmaker to craft a life-size partner for her. And everyone is looking, but you put Alexander SkarsgÃ¥rd in an interesting outfit. Enter SkarsgÃ¥rd – but not as you’ve ever seen him before. There’s been a huge buzz online around the film – from BookTok and FilmTok fans swooning over SkarsgÃ¥rdâs character, to questions being asked over splinter risks during the film’s erotic scenes, since the release of the trailer.
Skarsgård appears as the “wicker husband,” a devoted and physically imposing creation that inadvertently triggers jealousy among the local women. The star-studded cast also features Peter Dinklage as the basket weaver, Elizabeth Debicki as the tailor’s wife, and Richard E. Grant as the village doctor. For his part, Skarsgård gives credit to the design team for his unique appearance, noting that his primary task was simply to commit to the role. He described the film’s intimate scenes as “super fun” to film, highlighting that the comedic crashes and breaks in the bedroom set were balanced by tender, romantic moments.
Beyond the internet memes, the cast emphasizes that the film tackles significant themes regarding societal norms and human connection. Debicki described the movie as a moving experience that offers more depth than the current viral buzz suggests. “I think it was a lot to do with Alex in a wicker man costume, really,” she said. “I think that’s something that apparently everybody would like to see.”
Skarsgård pointed out that the narrative explores hierarchy and social structure with a light touch. Colman echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while the premise is inherently funny, it functions as a genuine romance that gently pokes fun at traditional views on marriage and community. She believes the film’s originality and its sense of escapism are what draw audiences in, making it a topic likely to spark long discussions.
Initial critical reception has been varied, with The Guardian praising the project’s “eye-catching premise” during its Sundance debut, while cautioning that it lacked emotional fire. Conversely, The Hollywood Reporter provided a warmer appraisal, labeling the film a “poignant pleasure.” Regardless of the reviews, the anticipation continues to build. The movie offers a blend of magic, fantasy, and humor that Colman hopes will resonate with viewers as an escape. Wicker is scheduled for its official release in UK cinemas on October 30.
