lexander SkarsgĆ„rdĀ is no stranger to radical physical transformations, having sculpted his physique forĀ The Legend of TarzanĀ and bulked up to portray a brutal Viking warrior in The Northman. However, his latest big-screen role might mark his most dramatic change yet.
The Swedish actor stars oppositeĀ Olivia ColmanĀ and Peter Dinklage in the upcoming comedy-drama,Ā Wicker, which follows a lonely fisherwoman (Colman) who asks the local basketmaker (Dinklage) to build her the perfect man. But the arrival of her wicker husband (SkarsgĆ„rd) sparks jealousy and outrage in the village.
In the steamy trailer, Alexander looks virtually unrecognisable wearing a full-body wicker suit and facial prosthetics as his character tends to the fisherwoman’s every need.
Ā© Courtesy of Sundance Institute | Lol Crawley“Most male actors dream of playing Hamlet at some point in their career. I never did,” Alexander toldĀ EW.
“My dream was always to have nipples made out of wicker. Thanks to our wonderful directors, Eleanor and Alex, and the brilliant artists at WÄtÄ in New Zealand, my dream has finally come true.”
Ā© Getty ImagesKeep reading to find out more about the series.
What is Wicker about?
Directed by Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston, and adapted from Ursula Wills’ acclaimed short story, Wicker is billed as an “audacious comedic fable about sex, marriage, and the absurdities of social convention”.
It tells the wholly original love story of an ostracised fisherwoman who commissions a husband to be made by the local basketmaker.
Ā© GettyThe synopsis continues: “When her wicker husband proves more spectacular than she ever imagined, his soulful spirit and unique prowess awaken something inside her, setting off a wave of jealousy, fascination, and upheaval that threatens the very fabric of village life.”
Who else stars in Wicker?
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, which includes Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown), Richard E. Grant (Saltburn), Nabhaan Rizwan (Juice), Marli Siu (Everything I Know About Love) and Ella Bruccoleri (The Other Bennet Sister).
Ā© The Hollywood Reporter via GettyThe film made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and will be released to UK and Irish cinemas on 30 October.