Olivia Colman stands beside a wicker husband Alexander, created by Wētā Workshop, on a film set.

Olivia Colman Enlists Wētā Workshop to Bring Wicker Husband Alexander Skarsgård to Life

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-08-09

The intriguing art of creating Skarsgård’s wicker character

When the trailer for Wicker dropped, audiences were captivated by Alexander Skarsgård’s transformation into a wicker-made husband for Olivia Colman. The story of this fascinating character truly amazes, as Colman’s character hires a basketmaker to weave her a husband, resulting in Skarsgård’s unique portrayal that has left viewers curious about the film’s production magic.

Exploring the Wicker Suit Technique

Rather than relying on CGI, directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson enlisted Wētā Workshop, renowned for its work on productions like Lord of the Rings and Avatar, to craft Skarsgård’s character primarily through practical effects. The challenge lay in the intricate process of recreating a wicker suit that also carried the human form’s nuances.

Their solution employed a three-layer technique for the role. Initially, a 3D-printed prosthetic shell was crafted to fit Skarsgård, followed by the meticulous application of real wicker over this shell. Additional CGI was sparingly used, mainly to enhance elements like light filtering through the wicker, creating an authentically hollow appearance, as noted by Tech Times.

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Wicker’s release schedule and source material

Based on Ursula Wills-Jones’s short story The Wicker Husband, the movie captivates with its blend of old-world charm and technological ingenuity. The tale of this unique creation is set to premiere in the US on October 23, followed by a UK release on October 30. Australian and New Zealand audiences can look forward to screenings on November 26 and January 7, respectively.

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For anyone interested in the art of movie magic, the creation of this extraordinary character proves that sometimes, traditional techniques combined with minimal digital enhancement can create a more tangible and engaging viewing experience.

Source: creativebloq.com

Frequently asked questions

How was Alexander Skarsgård transformed into a wicker character?

Alexander Skarsgård was transformed into a wicker character through a three-layer technique. Initially, a 3D-printed prosthetic shell was crafted to fit Skarsgård, followed by the careful application of real wicker. CGI was used sparingly, primarily to enhance light filtering effects.

When is Wicker being released in the US?

Wicker is set to premiere in the US on October 23.

Who created the practical effects for Wicker?

Wētā Workshop, known for its work on Lord of the Rings and Avatar, was enlisted to craft the practical effects for Wicker.