Alexander Skarsgård’s “Hot” Wicker Man Gets Sundance Standing Ovation

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Alexander Skarsgård was a hit with audiences at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend, starring in the new romantic fantasy film, Wicker. The movie also features acclaimed actors Olivia Colman, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki, and Richard E. Grant. Wicker tells the story of a solitary fisherwoman who receives a straw husband crafted by a local artisan. Skarsgård plays the Wicker Man himself, and his performance involved stunning prosthetics created by Weta Workshop.

I was so thrilled to hear how amazing the premiere of Wicker was last night at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City! Apparently, the audience absolutely loved it, giving the film not one, but two standing ovations! The first one happened as the credits rolled, and then another huge round of applause erupted when the cast came on stage. I read that Olivia Colman was especially moved, and even teared up! Before the screening, she joked to The Wrap that people might have some interesting dreams after seeing Alexander Skarsgård in the movie – apparently, it makes him even more captivating! It sounds like everyone is going to be talking about this film for a while!

Like Robert Pattinson, Bill Skarsgård often chooses complex and unconventional characters over typical ‘handsome’ roles – you can see this in films like Pillion, Infinity Pool, and War on Everyone, as well as series like Big Little Lies and Succession. This willingness to take risks almost made him hesitant to take on the role in Wicker.

Why Did ‘Wicker’ Frighten Alexander Skarsgård?


Warner Bros. 

The Swedish actor discussed with Deadline the chance to take over the role of the Wicker Husband from Dev Patel. He admitted the script originally felt “intimidating” to him.

I was really eager to take on the role, but the character’s innocence was actually a little intimidating. I usually prefer playing characters who are troubled or have inner conflicts – someone with a darker side or internal struggles. While the movie itself has plenty of conflict, this character doesn’t. He’s genuinely good-hearted and simply loves his wife; it’s a very sweet and uncomplicated relationship. That simplicity was a bit outside my comfort zone, honestly.

This felt strange because it meant the character didn’t have any inner conflict, and I also had to really play up all my expressions. I couldn’t be subtle or realistic in my performance, as I was wearing a complete mask and bodysuit that was stuck to my skin every day.

If you enjoy Alexander Skarsgård in more action-oriented roles, be sure to watch Battleship (2012), The Legend of Tarzan (2016), Hold the Dark (2018), Godzilla vs Kong (2021), The Northman (2022), and seasons 2 through 7 of the HBO vampire series True Blood.

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2026-01-25 19:23