Alexander Skarsgård has done it all. Since his breakthrough performance as a vampire on True Blood, he’s played everyone from Tarzan (in The Legend of Tarzan) to an exiled Viking prince (in The Northman), to an abusive husband on Big Little Lies (the role that earned him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe). He’s shown up in rom-coms, apocalyptic fantasies, historical dramas, and currently stars in the Apple TV sci-fi comedy, Murderbot.
But even with such varying roles, his latest still managed to surprise. In Wicker, Skarsgård plays the Wicker Husband, a man made from wicker and brought to life by a master weaver to become the devoted partner of a local spinster fisherwoman (Olivia Colman).
Below, he reveals his first crush, what he never leaves home without, and how he celebrated his recent milestone birthday.
Are you in an airport?
Yes, apologies if it gets a little crazy. I’m in a lounge.
What’s happening?
Let’s see…I’ve had highs and lows in the past 12 hours! I was at the Valentino Vendetta fragrance launch at the Safari Inn in Burbank yesterday, the iconic location where they shot True Romance. I did the campaign with Dakota Johnson, who’s an old friend of mine, so it was so much fun. And I went from that to, first thing this morning, the DMV to renew my driver’s license.
Were you involved in creating Vendetta Uomo?
No—but last night I did meet [master perfumer] Marie Salamagne. She has a lab in Paris and works her magic there.
What scent would you have chosen?
Bison.
I knew nothing about Wicker, which is the best way to see this film. What life lessons do you take from this extraordinary story?
What happens when you get poisoned by jealousy? How does that affect you? The film shows the egotistical aspect of human nature, but with charm and humor. It comments on the institution of marriage—this societal structure that we live in—and it’s done with comedy and a light touch.
Olivia Colman gives a fierce performance. Is she as wonderful in real life as we all want her to be?
Olivia exceeded my expectations by light-years. She is a real fire-starter, a party animal. She and Ed [Sinclair], her husband, who produced the film, would throw lunches for the cast and crew on weekends and have game nights and parties, and we’d go out and have drinks. She’s very much a unifying element, always up for mischief and fun.
Wicker is arguably a romantic comedy. What’s your favorite romantic comedy of all time?
Tootsie. Jessica Lange—my first crush. I remember as a little kid not understanding. I found her attractive, and it was the first time where you’re like, “What is going on? What’s happening in my stomach?”
How was turning 50 for you this year?
It was great. I’m building a little cabin on one of the islands in the Stockholm archipelago, and I just spent the day out there and went skinny-dipping, and it was completely quiet and empty—exactly what I needed.
What jobs have you had other than acting?
I worked as a busboy and in a clothing store, and I sold Christmas trees. I also worked at a coffee shop in South Stockholm, in the neighborhood I grew up in. It was a good experience because you learn how to navigate an awkward interaction. Or if someone’s being an asshole, how to defuse it.
Publication : ELLE
Author : Ryan D'Agostino
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