Independent entertainment studio Black Bear has officially announced the highly anticipated United Kingdom and Irish theatrical release date for its Sundance Film Festival breakout hit, Wicker. Starring Academy Award winner Olivia Colman alongside Alexander Skarsgård, the inventive feature-length project is scheduled to land in cinemas across the territory on October 30, 2026.
Described by critics as an audacious comedic fable centered around sex, marriage, and the bizarre constraints of social convention, the movie delivers a wholly unique and original love story. The narrative focuses on an ostracized fisherwoman, played by Colman, who decides to commission a custom husband to be built entirely out of wicker by a local basketmaker, portrayed by Peter Dinklage. However, when her wicker spouse unexpectedly comes to life, his soulful spirit and remarkable prowess trigger intense waves of small-town jealousy, fascination, and societal upheaval that threaten the fabric of her village.
The film was adapted for the screen and directed by filmmaking duo Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who based their screenplay on Ursula Wills’ highly acclaimed short story, "The Wicker Husband". The production boasts a premium degree of cinematic craftsmanship, including striking cinematography from Academy Award winner Lol Crawley and immersive production design by Art Directors Guild Award winner Renátó Cseh. Additionally, the film is driven by a bold, contemporary musical score composed by Anna Meredith.
To bring Skarsgård’s eccentric titular character to life, the production team chose to eschew digital visual effects in favor of physical artistry. The actor's elaborate wicker character was masterfully realized through a fully practical creature suit, designed and built by Joe Dunckley in collaboration with the Academy Award-winning effects shop, Weta Workshop.
Financed globally by Tango and Topic Studios, the project was produced by a collaborative team that includes Tim Headington, Lia Buman, Ryan Heller, and Michael Bloom, alongside Colman herself under her South of the River production banner. Ahead of its theatrical launch this October, fans can follow Black Bear's official digital channels for upcoming trailers.
