Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Colman made ‘Wicker’ intimate scenes more seductive than expected

The practical costume took 18 months to make, with craftsmanship by artists who worked on ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Colman brought an unexpected sensuality to the sex scenes in Wicker, according to co-director Eleanor Wilson, who initially imagined the moments primarily as comedy.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wilson explained that the scenes were designed to make audiences laugh. However, their tone developed during filming as Skarsgård appeared in his elaborate costume and worked alongside Colman and intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien.

Wilson said the scenes became surprisingly more sensual than the filmmakers had anticipated once the actors began performing them on set.

The fantasy film follows a lonely fisherwoman who wishes for a husband woven for her. Her creation comes to life, setting off an unusual chain of events in a medieval village. Skarsgård plays the Wicker Husband, while Colman stars opposite him in the darkly comic fairytale.

The directors wanted the husband to look strikingly beautiful, making Skarsgård’s casting central to the character’s design. Wilson explained that the prosthetics needed to preserve the actor’s likeness and allow his facial expressions to remain visible, ensuring his performance was not lost beneath the elaborate construction.

The production favoured practical effects over extensive computer generated imagery. Skarsgård’s costume and prosthetics were created with the help of 3D printing, with the design process taking considerable time.

Speaking to Graham Norton earlier this month, the Swedish actor said the suit took 18 months to make. He praised the craftsmanship and revealed that he particularly liked the prosthetic nipples, which he later presented to the talk show host as a gift.

The costume was reportedly made by artists who had also worked on The Lord of the Rings films.

With its unusual premise, elaborate practical effects and deliberately provocative humour, Wicker has attracted attention ahead of its cinema release. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 30, with its creative team aiming to balance absurd comedy with unexpected sensuality.