Basketweavers get in a twist over Alexander Skarsgård’s Wicker Husband
Why is he not made of willow? Why is he plaited and not woven? World’s basket makers have plenty of questions
TL;DR
- Alexander Skarsgård's 'Wicker Husband' character in the movie 'Wicker' has become a pop culture sensation.
- Basket makers are divided on the character's authenticity, questioning the materials (not willow) and construction (plaited, not woven).
- The definition of 'wicker' is debated, with some defining it by material (willow, rush) and others by the weaving technique.
- Wētā workshop used 3D printing and thermoplastic elastomers to create the Wicker Husband costume for practical filmmaking reasons.
- The film's attention has drawn new interest to the craft of basket making, including endangered traditional techniques.