Sundance Audiences Swoon Over ‘Wicker’ and Alexander Skarsgård’s Hot Role

The fairy tale film Wicker had a big moment at its world premiere at the Eccles Theater on Saturday. Audiences gave the movie two standing ovations, one at the end of the film and another when the cast and crew appeared on stage.

The movie is based on the book The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones and was written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who also made Save Yourselves!

Olivia Colman stars as a woman who asks a local basketmaker, played by Peter Dinklage, to create the perfect husband for her. That husband is Alexander Skarsgård, and viewers quickly noticed just how striking he looked.

Using practical prosthetics from Weta Workshop, Skarsgård’s wicker man impressed the audience, and Colman commented on his appearance. You would not believe you could make Alexander Skarsgård hotter than he is, but yeah. People are gonna have weird dreams, she told TheWrap before the premiere.

The character’s charm and attractiveness play a key role in the story. Skarsgård’s caring nature and good looks disrupt the small town’s normal life, while also capturing the attention of Colman’s character. The mix of romance and fairy tale elements helped make the story engaging for viewers.

While the audience was excited about Skarsgård, the film also offers emotional moments. Colman appeared moved during the applause at the end of the screening, wiping away tears. Wicker was one of the most talked-about films at Sundance that weekend, along with Olivia Wilde’s The Invite, Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan’s Josephine, and Danielle Brooks’ If I Go Will They Miss Me.

Both Colman and Skarsgård have busy schedules in 2026. Colman is starring in the family drama Jimpa, returning for season two of The Night Manager, and filming Elsinore with Andrew Scott.

Skarsgård is appearing in the Charli XCX mockumentary The Moment at Sundance, was praised for Pillion, and will host the 1,000th episode of Saturday Night Live.

The supporting cast adds more star power. Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki as the jealous Tailor’s Wife, and Richard E. Grant in a cameo all contribute to the story. Critics are already calling Wicker a crowd-pleaser, praising its combination of practical effects and heartfelt storytelling.

Overall, everyone at the premiere seemed to agree that Skarsgård’s wicker man was extremely hot. The film’s mix of fairy tale magic and emotional depth left audiences excited for its wider release.

The use of practical prosthetics to create a character like Skarsgård’s makes him feel more real and impressive on screen. It’s also fun to see a romantic story told with both humor and heart. What do you think about the movie and Skarsgård’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments.