Fans Plot to Steal the Wicker Husband Standee Ahead of ‘Wicker’ Release Date

Laura Bais
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Few films generate as much buzz before their release as ‘Wicker’. After debuting at Sundance in January to a double standing ovation, it made waves again when its trailer ignited social media excitement.

Based on Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story ‘The Wicker Husband’, the film tells the story of a fisherwoman living on the outskirts of a seaside village, who faces ridicule from her neighbors. Frustrated, she enlists a local basket weaver to craft a husband out of wicker. The cast includes Olivia Colman as the fisherwoman, Peter Dinklage as the basket weaver, and Alexander Skarsgård as the wicker husband.

As the film’s October 23 release approaches, the ‘Wicker’ standee has captured the internet’s imagination. TikTok videos show moviegoers humorously pretending to “steal” the life-size promotional cutout of the Wicker Husband from theaters.

The standee features the bearded Wicker Husband with a woven torso, complete with the film’s title and release date at his feet. In one viral video, a viewer declares that the standee is coming home with them, while another presents a humorous point-of-view scenario for those in need of their own wicker man.

It’s important to note that these videos appear to be lighthearted jokes rather than indications of actual thefts, with no reports of theaters experiencing a surge of missing displays. However, the playful spirit aligns with the ongoing jokes from the film’s online fanbase.

When the first trailer was released, social media erupted with a mix of shock, humor, and thirst. Some viewers likened the premise to an adult version of ‘Pinocchio’, while others pondered the practicalities of having a wicker husband. The trailer also became a meme format, with people reacting in mock horror.

Theaters have joined in on the fun. Reel Cinemas announced the arrival of its ‘Wicker’ popcorn buckets, humorously showcasing a regular wicker basket filled with popcorn. Regal took it a step further by offering free 3D-print files for a headless woven-torso popcorn bucket on October 8, along with a complimentary small popcorn for anyone who brings a printed version to a screening.

The directors, a married couple, have remarked on how the film gained a life of its own after the trailer’s release. They also mentioned that they are not active on TikTok, which adds to the humor of the viral trend.

The standee’s appeal lies in its realistic appearance, a deliberate choice by directors Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer. Wētā Workshop created a wearable suit with a 3D-printed prosthetic shell molded to Skarsgård’s body, topped with authentic wicker weaving and subtle CGI to give the character a hollow look.

Colman has humorously commented on the outcome, stating in an interview with TheWrap at Sundance, “When you’re face to face with the most beautiful creature made of wicker, it’s very easy to swoon.” After months of memes, many moviegoers seem to share that sentiment.

Screenshot 2026 07 29 at 20 17 05 Wicker Rotten Tomatoes

The film has received mostly positive reviews, currently holding a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. A review from Screen Daily praised it as a wickedly funny and delightfully romantic fable, highlighting Colman’s performance as a key factor in its success.

However, not all reviews have been favorable. The Guardian rated it 2 out of 5, describing it as a tonally inconsistent blend of bawdy humor, dark fantasy, and unlikely romance.

‘Wicker’ is rated R and will open in limited US theaters on October 23, expanding nationwide on October 30. This gives fans a few more days to enjoy the standee before it potentially disappears.

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