Wicker Husband Backlash: Basketweavers Critique Skarsgård's Wicker 2026

The Wicker Husband in Alexander Skarsgård's new romcom Wicker has become an unexpected internet sensation, but not everyone is swooning. The basketweaving community is up in arms over the film's depiction of wicker, sparking a debate about craftsmanship and authenticity.

The film, which features Skarsgård as a woven leading man, has delighted audiences and even inspired memes from brands like Ikea. However, basket makers are less amused, pointing out that the character appears to be plaited rather than woven and isn't made of traditional willow.

Why Basketweavers Are Upset Over the Wicker Husband

At the heart of the controversy is the material and technique used to create the Wicker Husband. Deborah Needleman, former editor of The New York Times' T magazine and now a basket maker, was among the first to voice her concerns on Instagram. She questioned why a character woven in an English fishing village wouldn't be made of willow or rush.

More than 100 fellow basket makers have since joined the conversation, highlighting a disconnect between Hollywood's portrayal and traditional basketweaving practices. The Oxford English Dictionary defines wicker as "thin sticks of wood twisted together to make baskets, furniture etc," but the film's version seems to deviate from that definition.

The Importance of Willow in Traditional Wicker

Historically, willow has been the go-to material for wicker, especially in English fishing villages where the craft has deep roots. Eleanor Morgan, trade adviser to the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers in London, notes that while willow was once synonymous with wicker, its use has declined in modern times.

"Historically wicker could be made from a variety of materials, but willow was most common," Morgan explains. "Today, makers might use rattan, bamboo, or synthetic materials, but for a period piece set in an English fishing village, willow would be the authentic choice."

What the Wicker Husband Gets Wrong (According to Experts)

The basketweaving community's main criticisms boil down to two points: the material and the technique. The Wicker Husband appears to be plaited, a method where strands are braided together, rather than woven, which involves intertwining materials to create a structured fabric.

Additionally, the character's material doesn't resemble willow or rush, both of which are traditional for English wicker. This lack of authenticity has sparked a broader conversation about how Hollywood represents traditional crafts.

• Material mismatch: The Wicker Husband isn't made of willow, the traditional material for English wicker.
• Technique error: The character appears plaited, not woven, which goes against basketweaving norms.
• Historical inaccuracy: Set in an English fishing village, the film misses the mark on local craft traditions.
• Community backlash: Over 100 basket makers have voiced their concerns on social media.
• Larger debate: The controversy highlights the importance of authenticity in depicting traditional crafts.

How the Internet Reacted to the Wicker Husband

While basketweavers are critiquing the craftsmanship, the internet at large has embraced the Wicker Husband with open arms. Social media users have flooded platforms with comments like "Never looking at my patio furniture the same again," and Ikea even got in on the fun, captioning a picture of its wicker furniture with "husband material."

The contrast between the public's playful reaction and the basketweaving community's serious critique highlights a tension between entertainment and expertise. For many, the Wicker Husband is just a fun romcom character; for craftspeople, it's a missed opportunity to showcase traditional skills accurately.

What This Means for Wicker's Reputation

The debate also raises questions about how wicker is perceived by the public. If Hollywood presents a version of wicker that doesn't align with reality, it could perpetuate misconceptions about the craft. Basket makers worry that this could affect everything from consumer expectations to the value placed on handmade goods.

However, some see a silver lining: the film has brought wicker into the spotlight, and that could lead to increased interest in the craft. Needleman herself acknowledged excitement that the basketweaving community now has its own "hot, woven leading man," even as she critiqued the details. Context on how this played out before sits in Wicker Husband Backlash: Basketweavers Critique Skarsgård's Wicker.

Comparing Traditional and Film Wicker: A Side-by-Side Look

To understand the basketweavers' concerns, it helps to compare the film's Wicker Husband with traditional wicker characteristics. The table below outlines key differences based on expert commentary. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles. A related thread runs through Wicker Review: Olivia Colman Shines in Folk-Horror Romance.

What Happens Next for the Wicker Husband Controversy?

As the film continues to garner attention, the basketweaving community's critique may spark further discussion about craftsmanship in media. It remains to be seen whether the filmmakers will respond to the feedback or if this will remain a niche debate among craft enthusiasts. Earlier coverage in Patrick Stewart: Bald Icon Who Redefined Star Trek Captain shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Awkwafina's New Apple TV Show Explores Family and Food.

For now, the Wicker Husband has achieved something notable: it's got people talking about basketweaving. Whether that conversation leads to greater appreciation for traditional techniques or just more memes is yet to be determined. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Trino Marin: Life, Family, Crimes and Prison Explained Made Simple. The same theme surfaces in Bert Girigorie: The Quiet Businessman Behind a Famous Marriage, which takes a different angle.

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