The upcoming romantic comedy Wicker drew significant attention at a special screening in New York on October 13, 2026. Stars Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Colman appeared together at the event to kick off the film’s promotional campaign ahead of its late October release.
An Unconventional Fable Hits New York
Directed by real-life couple Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, Wicker blends surreal romance, dark comedy, and sharp social commentary. Based on Ursula Wills-Jones’s story The Wicker Husband, the film follows an ostracized fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who pays a local basket maker, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, to weave her a custom husband to shut her critical neighbors up.
Alexander Skarsgård stars as the wooden creation, bringing a high libido and a wicker-woven frame to life through a combination of 3D-printed prosthetics and body scans. Elizabeth Debicki also stars in the film, rounding out a cast that features Richard E. Grant, Nabhaan Rizwan, Marli Siu, and Ella Bruccoleri.
Cast Appearances and Style Statements
The New York screening brought out stylish appearances from the ensemble cast. Elizabeth Debicki turned heads in an all-black leather ensemble consisting of a button-up shirt and a matching pencil skirt. Meanwhile, Olivia Colman arrived with her naturally graying curls. Alexander Skarsgård drew laughs at the post-screening after-party at c**ktail lounge The Mulberry by wearing a custom shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Lick My Worm”-a nod to a cheeky line from Colman’s character in the film.
The relaxed atmosphere at the after-party highlighted the easy rapport between the lead actors. Skarsgård attended alongside his father, Stellan Skarsgård, as guests mingled over espresso martinis and mini grilled cheeses.
Behind the Scenes of an Intimate Production
Developing the film’s intimate and unusual romantic scenes required unconventional methods from the directing duo. Because standard stand-ins were hesitant to participate in the physical blocking, filmmakers Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson stepped in themselves.
Ultimately, six people-including Skarsgård, Colman, Fischer, Wilson, intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien, and cinematographer Lol Crawley-collaborated closely on positioning to block the sequences. This hands-on rehearsal process even led to a broken bed during production.
Release Details and Audience Expectations
Wicker first generated buzz as an official selection at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired by Black Bear. The film arrives in U.S. and Canadian theaters on October 23, 2026, with special one-night-only 4DX immersive screenings planned at approximately 60 locations across the United States on October 28.
While early critical responses have been split-earning high praise from outlets like The Times alongside sharper critiques-the audacious premise and stellar cast have kept audiences talking as the theatrical release approaches.
