Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård’s Fantasy Romance ‘Wicker’ Secures North American Deal with Black Bear
‘Wicker’ Secures Domestic Theatrical Release Following Sundance Premiere
Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård’s upcoming fantasy film, Wicker, has officially secured a domestic theatrical release. This announcement follows its initial reception at the Sundance Film Festival, where interest surged, particularly after Black Bear Entertainment negotiated a competitive deal at the European Film Market.
The film also features Elizabeth Debicki, Peter Dinklage, Marli Siu, and Nabhaan Rizwan, showcasing the collaborative vision of married filmmakers Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. Produced by Topic Studios and Tango, the project was facilitated by CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group, which handled both the domestic sale and financing aspects.
Based on Ursula Wills’ short story The Wicker Husband, the narrative centers on Colman’s character, an ostracized fisherwoman who commissions a husband made of wicker from a local basketmaker portrayed by Dinklage. Her unconventional romance with this crafted companion, played by Skarsgård, becomes the center of conflict as jealousy arises among the villagers, threatening the community’s harmony.
Set in a fantastical realm reminiscent of feudal times, the film portrays Colman’s character as a lonely woman whose desperation leads her to enlist a basket weaver for help. With a touch of magic and an elaborate costume designed by Weta Workshop, her dream becomes a reality. However, as her woven husband proves to be more than mere decoration, tensions mount with the villagers, resulting in a perilous situation for Colman’s character.
The film’s visual and artistic quality is bolstered by Oscar-winning cinematographer Lol Crawley, while production designer Renátó Cseh adds to its innovative aesthetic. Black Bear is also managing international sales and will oversee its release in the UK.
Colman, who not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer, expressed her enthusiasm for the project in Park City, stating, “I think it’s in my top three favorite scripts I’ve ever read.”
Financing for Wicker comes from Tango and Topic Studios, with producers including Tim Headington, Lia Buman, Ryan Heller, Michael Bloom, and several others. The executive production team features Ian Stratford, Jasmine Daghighian, Jennifer Westin, Neil Shah, Max Silva, and Lina Stroud.
Katie Anderson, Executive Vice President of US Acquisitions for Black Bear, remarked on the film’s unique qualities: “We were immediately struck by the sheer originality of Wicker. From its storytelling to the best-in-class performances led by Olivia, this is a film that refuses to be ignored. It’s provocative, darkly funny, and unexpectedly tender in all the right ways. We’re thrilled to bring this bold vision to audiences across North America.”
Wilson and Fischer added, “We are thrilled to be sharing the incredible work of Olivia, Alexander, Peter, Elizabeth and the whole cast and crew with a wider audience. The team at Black Bear has led our conversations with a true passion for the film and a fearlessness that we all need from distributors in this moment.”
With Wicker now joining the ranks of other films securing domestic deals from this year’s Sundance festival, it follows closely in the footsteps of the much-discussed drama Josephine.
