Alexander Skarsgård's Willow Suit in 'Wicker' Highlights Innovation

The film "Wicker", opening the Moscow International Film Festival, tells a relationship fable adapted from a short story by Ursula Wills and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. Alexander Skarsgård plays the Husband, a man fashioned from willow by the Basketmaker (Peter Dinklage) for the Fisherwoman (Olivia Colman).

The prosthetic suit covering Skarsgård was created by New Zealand's Weta Workshop under the direction of Joe Dunckley. It consists of 3D‑printed resin panels assembled into a carapace, trousers, mask and sleeves, worn over a woollen undergarment. The development process spanned 18 months and used 360‑degree photography, laser scanning of Skarsgård’s face and body, and a silicon life cast. The suit was reported as extremely hot for the Swedish actor.

According to Wilson, “We knew the believability of the character was the biggest challenge, that the movie would live or die on it.” Dunckley added that the character had to be “attractive… a hot basket,” underscoring the blend of artistry and technology behind the costume.