Olivia Colman’s latest project is Wicker, a 2026 romantic fantasy film in which she not only stars but also serves as a producer. The story—based on the short piece The Wicker Husband—follows a lonely woman who commissions a wicker-made husband, offering an allegorical, whimsical twist on love and companionship.
A Unique Twisted Romance: Wicker
The Premise That Caught Attention
The central concept—a woman literally ordering a husband made of wicker—sounds both absurd and poetic. Yet, it’s this irony that draws viewers in, promising an experience that blends whimsy with emotional resonance. It’s not everyday you get existential musing wrapped in magical realism.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Olivia Colman leads the ensemble, joined by Alexander Skarsgård (as the wicker husband), Peter Dinklage (the basket weaver), and Elizabeth Debicki (the tailor’s wife), under the direction of Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, adding to its prestige.
Why Wicker Is Turning Heads
A Producer-Turned-Actor with Vision
Colman’s involvement as a producer adds depth—and indicates her passion for the material. This isn’t just another acting gig; it’s a project she believes in enough to invest in creatively and financially.
Intriguing, Symbolic Narrative
Fantasy and metaphor often provoke reflection, and Wicker seems to tiptoe in that territory. Reviews suggest the film avoids being preachy, opting instead for subtle societal allegory wrapped in gentle humor.
Praise for Its Ambition and Execution
Skarsgård, in a Sundance Q&A, described the uneasy comic rhythm of performing in wicker prosthetics—sometimes feeling “ridiculous”—but embraced the challenge, citing the script’s emotional clarity and inventive direction.
Broader Creative Context: Olivia’s Diverse Slate
1. The Roses: A Dark Comedy Tumblr
Before Wicker, Colman starred alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in The Roses—a reimagining of The War of the Roses. Premiered in August 2025, the film is a sharp-edged satire on marriage, ambition, and identity. It received moderate box office returns and has since become available on streaming.
2. Jimpa: Intimate, Semi-Autobiographical Drama
Colman’s performance in Jimpa, directed by Sophie Hyde, was lauded for its emotional honesty. The film, exploring generational tension and identity, premiered at Sundance in 2025 and opened in Australia early 2026. Hyde and Colman described the collaboration as creatively liberating.
3. Elsinore: A Sobering Biographical Drama
In Elsinore, currently filming as of January 2026 in the UK, Colman portrays the doctor of Scottish actor Ian Charleson. This project promises emotional gravity, exploring Charleson’s final months before his fateful Hamlet performance.
4. Pride & Prejudice on Netflix
In a twist of casting delight, Colman takes on Mrs. Bennet in an upcoming six-part adaptation of Pride and Prejudice for Netflix. Written by Dolly Alderton with Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, the series began production in late 2025 and offers a fresh voice to Austen’s classic.
The Creative Thread Across Projects
Versatility and Emotional Range
The span from dark comedy (The Roses) to fantasy romance (Wicker), personal drama (Jimpa), biographical introspection (Elsinore), and literary adaptation (Pride & Prejudice) showcases Colman’s extraordinary flexibility.
Authentic Collaborations
She chooses partners known for deep storytelling—Hyde’s Jimpa grounded in personal experience, McNamara’s emotionally sharp Roses, or Alderton’s intimate yet modern Austen take. Each project speaks to Colman’s interest in layered, human-centered storytelling.
High-Profile and Indie Balance
Colman strikes a balance between star-studded productions (Wicker, Roses) and more understated, artist-driven films (Jimpa, Elsinore), positioning herself as both commercially relevant and creatively bold.
Director and Co-Star Praise
“The comedy and the drama and the pain and the joy are not separate. They’re all overlaid all the time.” — Director Jay Roach on The Roses
This reflects the nuanced narrative Colman gravitates toward—where emotional complexity enriches, rather than dilutes, entertainment.
Conclusion
Olivia Colman’s new project, Wicker, is more than a whimsical fantasy—it’s a striking blend of allegory, emotion, and inventive storytelling. Her involvement as both star and producer signals a deep commitment, and the film’s premiere at Sundance marks a bold public entry. Across her recent slate—from biting satire to tender family drama and classic literature—Colman continues to push onto bold creative terrain. “Turning heads” is exactly what she’s doing, and audiences are left eager for wherever her artistry leads next.
FAQs
What is Wicker about?
Wicker is a romantic fantasy film about a woman who orders a husband made of wicker. The story explores surreal romance and emotional reflection with an allegorical touch.
When did Wicker premiere?
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026.
What makes Colman’s role in Wicker unique?
Colman serves both as the lead actress and a producer, indicating her deep creative engagement with the project beyond acting.
How does Wicker compare to her other projects?
While Wicker leans into fantasy and metaphor, Colman’s recent work spans dark comedy (The Roses), personal drama (Jimpa), and literary adaptation (Pride & Prejudice), showcasing her artistic range.
What themes link her recent work?
Colman often chooses stories rich in emotional complexity—whether through disruptive humor, societal reflection, or family dynamics—favoring authenticity and layered narratives.
Is Olivia Colman involved in any other upcoming projects?
Yes—she’s filming Elsinore (a biographical drama) and starring in Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice adaptation, where she plays Mrs. Bennet.
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