Alexander Skarsgård Says Filming Bed-Breaking Sex Scene in “Wicker” Was Like a Literal ‘Rollercoaster’ (Exclusive)

**Title: Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Colman Navigate Humorous Challenges in ‘Wicker’**

In a bold cinematic venture, Alexander Skarsgård stars as a man fashioned entirely of wicker in the fantasy-romance film ‘Wicker,’ alongside esteemed actress Olivia Colman. Currently screening in select cinemas, the film explores themes of companionship and loneliness through its quirky narrative.

Skarsgård, 50, and Colman, 52, wasted no time in diving into the film’s intimate scenes, having filmed their more risqué moments within the initial days of production. During a candid interview with PEOPLE, they shared insights into the filming process, which was steeped in humour as much as romance.

The film presents Colman as a lonely villager known as the Fisherwoman, who commissions a Basket Weaver, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, to create a ‘Wicker Husband’ to fulfil her yearning for companionship. What unfolds is a surreal relationship with Skarsgård’s character, who, while constructed from wicker, endeavours to embrace his role with comic enthusiasm.

Recalling one particularly humorous scene that involved a rather lively bed, Skarsgård described the experience as akin to a thrill ride. He remarked, “It was like a rollercoaster,” as he and Colman braced themselves for what would come. In one segment of the trailer, their fervent antics result in the bed breaking, prompting both actors to burst into laughter, a moment Colman described as “proper full on.”

Colman pointed out that embracing the humour in these intimate scenes significantly eased their awkwardness. “It’s less awkward when it’s funny and more like real life,” she noted, reflecting on how a serious approach might have added discomfort to the filming experience.

However, the task presented added challenges for Skarsgård, who had to navigate the complexities of performing in a practical wicker costume. He acknowledged the difficulty, stating, “Those early days were also us figuring out how to deal with this costume.” Without reliance on CGI, the physical limitations of the outfit added a layer of complexity to the performances, making the already steamy scenes “literally hot” in more ways than one.

Colman, impressed by Skarsgård’s resilience, jokingly mentioned how she would have requested frequent breaks if placed in his situation. Skarsgård playfully responded, “I was secretly crying on the mat,” alluding to the physical strain of wearing the costume.

The film also features Elizabeth Debicki, who plays the Tailor’s Wife, the Fisherwoman’s main rival who is unable to accept the unconventional choice of a manufactured partner. This subplot adds depth to the narrative, symbolising societal constraints surrounding love and marriage.

The screenplay, adapted from the short story “The Wicker Husband,” is crafted by writers Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. Skarsgård highlighted the romantic essence of the narrative as a key factor that attracted him to the project. He expressed admiration for how the writers navigated the complexities of human emotions, commenting on the depth of the characters. “No one was a cliché or a stereotype,” he explained, recognising even the antagonist’s plight as understandable and rooted in her own dissatisfying marriage.

‘Wicker’ charmingly intertwines humour with romance, presenting a fresh perspective on relationships and societal expectations. As the film continues to garner attention in limited theatres, an expanded release is anticipated on 30 October.

For those interested in innovative storytelling that challenges norms, ‘Wicker’ promises an engaging and unique cinematic experience, propelled by the captivating performances of Skarsgård and Colman. Their collaboration illustrates how laughter and tenderness can coexist, even in the most unconventional of narratives.