Wicker's Woven Lead Sparks Debate Over Craft and Chemistry

Key points

• Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård described filming sex scenes for 'Wicker' as 'great' and 'soft,' noting that the humor and collaboration between the co-directors mitigated the embarrassment of wearing a restrictive costume.
• The Wicker Husband costume was created by Wētā Workshop using a thermoplastic elastomer and 3D-printed components, rather than traditional willow or rush, to allow for movement and facial expression.
• Basket makers, including former New York Times editor Deborah Needleman, criticized the costume for being 'plaited' rather than 'woven' and for using non-willow materials, arguing it misrepresents the craft.
• The film, an adaptation of Ursula Wills' short story, features Colman as a Fisherwoman who commissions a basketmaker (Peter Dinklage) to create a husband, leading to a romantic relationship with the woven character.
• The Washington Post noted that the film's trailer, featuring loud creaking noises and Colman's ecstatic reactions, has driven significant engagement on TikTok and other social media platforms.

Background

The film 'Wicker' opened in limited U.S. theaters on October 23, 2026, following a promotional tour where Skarsgård wore a full wicker suit and a shirt featuring Colman's face. The film is a satirical comedy and romantic drama that has generated significant online discussion regarding its explicit content and Skarsgård's bold fashion choices.

How outlets are covering it

The AV Club and The Washington Post focused on the actors' positive experiences and the film's viral social media presence, respectively. The Guardian highlighted the technical details of the costume and the criticism from the basketry community, noting that while the costume is not made of willow, it has drawn attention to the craft. The AV Club noted that the co-directors, Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, demonstrated scenes on set, while The Guardian emphasized the challenges of creating a sentient wicker character using modern materials.

Why it matters

The controversy over the Wicker Husband costume highlights the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern special effects in film. It also demonstrates how a film's technical details can generate significant public discourse, even beyond the narrative itself. The debate over the authenticity of the costume reflects broader discussions about the representation of traditional crafts in contemporary media.

What to watch

The film is currently in theaters, and the debate over the costume's authenticity is likely to continue as more viewers watch the film. The basketry community may continue to share their perspectives on the costume, while the film's success may lead to further discussions about the use of modern materials in traditional crafts.