The Wicker movie is one of the most unusual romances of 2026, and it is finally heading to cinemas. Starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, the dark fairytale follows a lonely fisherwoman who orders a husband made of wicker, only for him to come to life. After a celebrated premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, the film opens in selected US cinemas on 23 October 2026 and in the United Kingdom on 30 October. Here is everything you should know about its story, cast and release.
Key Points
- US release in selected cinemas on 23 October 2026; UK release on 30 October.
- Olivia Colman plays the Fisherwoman and Alexander Skarsgård plays the Wicker Husband.
- Premiered at Sundance on 24 January 2026.
- Runtime of about 105 minutes.
Table of Contents
Wicker Movie Story
The story is set in a rigid, patriarchal medieval farming town where a reclusive fisherwoman is mocked for the smell of fish and her refusal to marry. Half in sarcasm, she orders a husband woven from wicker. To everyone’s surprise, the basket weaver brings the creation to life, and the Wicker Husband becomes completely devoted to her. His unusual devotion soon creates chaos among the villagers, exposing their prejudices and challenging ideas about love, loneliness and what makes a perfect partner.
The Wicker movie is adapted from Ursula Wills-Jones’s short story The Wicker Husband. Directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson also wrote the screenplay, balancing whimsical fairytale elements with darker humour and emotional depth. The premise works like a fable, using magic to talk about real human needs. Fans of offbeat romances and folk tales will find the story especially appealing, while others may enjoy it simply for the performances of its remarkable cast.
Wicker Movie Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Olivia Colman | The Fisherwoman |
| Alexander Skarsgård | The Wicker Husband |
| Peter Dinklage | The Basket Weaver |
| Elizabeth Debicki | The Tailor’s Wife |
| Nabhaan Rizwan | The Tailor |
| Marli Siu | The Tailor’s Wife’s sister |
| Richard E. Grant | The village doctor |
Why the Cast Is Exciting
Olivia Colman is an Oscar winner known for The Favourite and for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. She excels at characters who mix vulnerability with sharp humour, making her ideal for the lonely fisherwoman. Alexander Skarsgård, known for Succession, Big Little Lies and The Northman, takes on a physically unusual role as a man made of wicker, which requires both strangeness and tenderness. Their pairing has been one of the main reasons for the film’s festival buzz.
Peter Dinklage, famous for Game of Thrones, plays the basket weaver whose craft starts the magical story. Elizabeth Debicki, Richard E. Grant and Nabhaan Rizwan round out a strong ensemble. Interestingly, Dev Patel was initially attached to play the Wicker Husband before Skarsgård took over the role. With such a talented group, the Wicker movie promises rich character work rather than just a quirky concept, which is what many festival viewers praised after its premiere.
Release Date and Distribution
Black Bear Pictures acquired North American rights after strong interest at the European Film Market and also handled international sales. Following its Sundance premiere at the Eccles Theater in Park City on 24 January 2026, the film was given an autumn release. It opens in selected US cinemas on 23 October 2026, with a wider rollout possible depending on response, and reaches UK theatres on 30 October. The runtime is about 105 minutes, which suits its intimate fairytale storytelling.
An Indian theatrical release date has not been announced. Smaller international films often reach Indian audiences through limited multiplex releases or streaming platforms a few months later. Indian fans of Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård should watch for announcements from streaming services. Meanwhile, if you are looking for big releases arriving in Indian theatres soon, read our Ramayana Part 1 release date guide for the year’s most anticipated Indian epic.
Sundance Buzz Around the Wicker Movie
The Wicker movie became one of the breakout titles of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where audiences responded to its blend of whimsy and sadness. Trade reports described it as a festival favourite, which helped it secure distribution quickly. Festival success does not always guarantee box office numbers, but it often builds strong word of mouth among film lovers and critics. With an autumn release, the film is also well placed for end-of-year awards discussions, especially for Olivia Colman’s performance.
Who Should Watch the Wicker Movie?
The Wicker movie is ideal for viewers who enjoy unusual love stories, folk tales and character-driven cinema with a touch of dark comedy. Fans of films like The Shape of Water or Poor Things may appreciate its blend of fantasy and social commentary. It is not a big action spectacle, so viewers expecting fast-paced entertainment might find it slower. However, its emotional core and strong performances could make it a hidden gem among this year’s releases.
Malayalam viewers who like fantasy-tinged storytelling might also enjoy local films that mix magic with real life, such as those listed in our guide to Malayalam movies based on novels, which explores how literature becomes cinema. Like many of those adaptations, Wicker takes a short literary source and expands it into a full emotional journey that rewards patient audiences who enjoy layered stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Wicker movie releasing?
It opens in selected US cinemas on 23 October 2026 and in the UK on 30 October 2026.
Who stars in Wicker?
Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage and Elizabeth Debicki lead the cast.
What is Wicker based on?
It is based on Ursula Wills-Jones’s short story The Wicker Husband.
Will Wicker release in India?
No Indian release date has been announced yet.
Conclusion
The Wicker movie stands out as one of 2026’s most original films, combining a dark fairytale premise with a brilliant cast led by Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård. Its Sundance success and autumn release make it a strong contender for awards conversations, especially for its performances and unique tone. If it reaches a theatre near you, it is worth watching for a different kind of romantic story that blends magic, humour and loneliness.
For more information, visit the film’s Wikipedia page). We will update this page if an Indian release or streaming date is announced. Tell us in the comments whether a fairytale romance like Wicker appeals to you, and which other unusual love stories you would recommend to fellow film lovers. We will keep tracking the Wicker movie and share early reviews as they appear.
