Why the Film 'Wicker' Is Trending in the U.S.

The film Wicker is trending across the United States as audiences react to its unconventional premise and the performance of Alexander Skarsgård as a man crafted from twigs. Released in October 2026, the movie has generated significant online discussion, memes, and social media engagement regarding its blend of romantic fantasy and dark comedy.

Why it is trending now

Interest in Wicker surged following its theatrical release and the widespread circulation of promotional materials, including a suggestive popcorn bucket from Regal Cinemas. The film follows a lonely fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who commissions a basketmaker, played by Peter Dinklage, to create her a perfect husband. The resulting character, portrayed by Skarsgård, has become a focal point of online discourse on platforms like Threads, where users have shared reactions to the film's bizarre and stylized romantic narrative.

Key facts

• The film is a period romantic fantasy directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, according to the Los Angeles Times.
• The story is adapted from the short story The Wicker Husband by author Ursula Wills-Jones, as reported by the BBC.
• The film features Olivia Colman as an ostracized fisherwoman and Peter Dinklage as the basket-weaver who creates her companion.
• Promotional efforts include a specialized popcorn bucket modeled after the lead actor, which has contributed to viral social media activity.

Why this is trending in United States

The trend is largely driven by viral social media reactions among U.S. audiences who have shared Gifs and memes since the first trailer debuted in August 2026. The film's unique aesthetic and the casting of Skarsgård have sparked specific conversations about modern romance and fantasy tropes, leading to high search interest as viewers seek out reviews and showtimes.

Background and context

Wicker is described as a folktale that explores themes of lust, jealousy, and moral hypocrisy. Unlike the 1973 horror film The Wicker Man, the filmmakers have positioned this project as a mischievous and crowd-pleasing romantic fantasy. The narrative focuses on the dynamic between the fisherwoman and her wicker spouse, who is depicted as fulfilling her domestic and romantic needs.

What happens next

As of October 22, 2026, the film is currently in theaters. Audiences are continuing to engage with the film through social media commentary, and the long-term impact on the careers of the creative team remains to be seen. Further box office performance data for the United States will likely follow in the coming weeks.