Olivia Colman Falls for a Man Made of Wicker in Wild New Trailer

A new fantasy romance is turning heads for one very simple reason: its leading man is made of wicker. On Wednesday, July 30, 2026, distributor Black Bear Pictures released the first official trailer for "Wicker," and the internet immediately took notice.

Starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, the film blends fantasy, romance, and dark comedy in a story unlike almost anything else hitting theaters this year. And despite the name, it has nothing to do with the horror classic "The Wicker Man."

What "Wicker" Is Actually About

"Wicker" is based on "The Wicker Husband," a short story by British author Ursula Wills-Jones. The film was directed and adapted by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who reimagined the tale as a feature-length fantasy romance with a strong streak of dark humor.

In the film, Colman plays a woman in an isolated village who, after being overlooked and underestimated by everyone around her, weaves a husband out of wicker — and watches him come to life. Skarsgård takes on the role of the wicker man himself, appearing throughout the trailer in a striking, fully woven look that's already become the film's signature image.

A Cast Built for the Bizarre

Supporting the two leads is a cast well-suited to the film's offbeat tone:

• Peter Dinklage
• Elizabeth Debicki
• Marli Siu

Together, the ensemble leans into the story's mix of whimsy, satire, and genuine emotional stakes — a combination that critics have already responded to strongly.

From Sundance to a Bidding War

"Wicker" isn't a surprise release. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026, at the Eccles Theater in Park City, Utah, where it quickly became one of the festival's talked-about titles.

The reception was strong enough to spark real industry interest. In February 2026, Black Bear Pictures acquired North American distribution rights during the European Film Market, along with international sales rights, including a planned release in the United Kingdom.

Critical Reception So Far

Since its Sundance debut, "Wicker" has held up well with critics. Multiple outlets have reported aggregator scores in the range of 91 to 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a Metacritic score of roughly 70 — solid numbers for a film built around such an unconventional premise.

That combination of critical goodwill and genuine curiosity about its bizarre concept appears to be driving momentum heading into its theatrical run.

When You Can See It

Black Bear Pictures has set a release strategy timed almost perfectly for the season:

• October 23, 2026 — limited theatrical release
• October 30, 2026 — wide theatrical expansion

The timing, landing just before Halloween, fits the film's eerie-but-romantic tone. Expect the marketing rollout to pick up through August, September, and October, with additional clips, featurettes, and interviews likely as the release date approaches.

Not to Be Confused With "The Wicker Man"

Given the title, some early confusion online has linked "Wicker" to "The Wicker Man," the well-known horror franchise. Coverage of the film has been clear on this point: "Wicker" is not a remake, sequel, or reference to that property. It's an original adaptation of Wills-Jones' short story, built entirely around its own fantasy-romance premise.

With a strong festival run behind it, a distinctive concept, and two well-known leads fully committed to the bit, "Wicker" is shaping up to be one of the more unexpected theatrical releases of the fall season.