Alexander Skarsgård's Frankenstein Replacement Proves Monster Movies Are Officially Back

Published Sep 6, 2026, 6:05 PM EDT Abby Jackam is a contributer for Collider and ShowSnob, a media journalist for Trill Mag, and an aspiring novelist. She graduated Washington State University Vancouver in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Humanities. Whenever she can, Abby is writing. From research papers to book reviews, Abby's passion lies in storytelling and literary pursuits. Monster movies have been a reigning subgenre of media for decades. From Creature from the Black Lagoon to Dracula, monsters have thrilled and captivated audiences for years. There's something captivating about these fantastical creatures that keep viewers coming back to them. From vampires to zombies to giant reptiles, everyone has been exposed to monsters in some way. In recent years, monsters have found new life. Nosferatu (2024) reimagined the 1922 film of the same name. The Shape of Water brought forth a romance between the monster and the human protagonist. Even Frankenstein has returned in Guillermo del Toro's 2025 film. With a long and successful line of monster movies, Olivia Colman's new fantasy could be a perfect addition to the catalog. Wicker (directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson) is set to hit theaters on October 23rd and promises to be a riotous good time. The fantasy-comedy doesn't stray away from the fantastical elements of the plot — instead, it jumps head first into the magic. With a medieval setting, mysterious supernatural forces, and a man made of wicker, the film is sure to be a fun watch. But more than just that, its release could actually hint at a much larger sign of what audiences want to see from the film industry. In a market that is often saturated with remakes, sequels, and reboots, it's refreshing to see a film focus on an original idea, while being connected to a beloved subgenre. It's possible that Wicker is an indicator of audiences' proclivity for sympathetic monsters, even one made from basket wicker. 'Wicker' is a Fresh Film in a Familiar Genre Image via Black Bear Pictures. Wicker follows a fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) who is ostracized in her small medieval village. Tired of the comments on her spinsterhood and lowly profession, the fisherwoman requests the help of the master weaver (Peter Dinklage) to fashion her a husband. When the creation comes to life, the fisherwoman and her wicker husband (Alexander Skarsgård) embark on a heated romance. Their love affair quickly becomes the talk of the town, whose close-minded nature poses a threat to the happy couple. As the tailor's wife (Elizabeth Debecki) grows increasingly suspicious of the married couple, the fisherwoman's newfound happiness could be at stake. Monster movies have had many forms throughout the years. From terrifying horror films to hokey, low-budget flicks, monsters have found a solid place in media. But while fantastical rom-com movies with monsters have existed, Wicker feels different. The concept of a woman marrying a man made of wicker is ridiculous, but that's what makes this film's premise so intriguing. It leans into the comedy of the situation while still promising to tell an engaging love story. With the acting talents of Olivia Colman, unique story premise, and the stunning visual effects on Alexander Skarsgård, Wicker has all the ingredients to be a phenomenal film. Monster Movies Aren't a Trend, They're a Legacy What makes monster movies so engaging is their ability to adhere to many genres. They are incredibly versatile, able to fit into a multitude of stories. James Cameron's Aliens reintroduced the iconic alien queen that would dominate the sci-fi horror genre in the 20th century. King Kong and Godzilla popularized a wave of giant monsters to destroy cities. Lisa Frankenstein brought a zombie to life to fuel her teenage romantic fantasy. From murderous clowns to extraterrestrial threats, monsters have found life time and time again in popular media. And so far, there doesn't seem to be a sign that this will end anytime soon. Why do people enjoy watching monsters so much? Audiences are drawn to monsters because of their fantastical elements. A scientist can't sew body parts together and create new life, but Frankenstein ignores the scientific improbabilities to tell a tragic tale. It doesn't matter whether werewolves are real or if vampires lurk in the night — what draws audiences towards these monsters is their unique qualities and creative stories. There is a macabre allure that calls audiences to seek out undead creatures and alien threats. Monster movies present a fantasy of horrific yet captivating creatures that could never exist in the real world, but dominate the fiction audiences consume. Wicker is one monster movie in a long line, but its addition could be a sign that monster movies are still alive and well. There has been a recent uptick in popular movies featuring monsters in the past few decades. Additionally, the way in which monsters are depicted has evolved with audiences as well. Instead of being strictly antagonistic towards the human characters, monsters have begun to be painted as misunderstood outcasts. They're physically different from humans, but still demonstrate a capacity for love or friendship. The shift in storytelling reflects how monster movies have changed over the years, and Wicker continues that evolution. The Wicker Husband is not a typical 'scary' monster who poses a serious threat to the townsfolk. He is inhuman, but shows his ability to care for the Fisherwoman. When Wicker releases in October, the reaction it garners from audiences could signal how people still feel about monster movies. This film could prove that monster movies are as popular as ever, even with their changing genres and evolved story focuses. People still seek out monsters in the media they consume, and Wicker promises to share a new creature for audiences to fall in love with. Release Date October 23, 2026 Runtime 105 minutes Director Eleanor Wilson, Alex Huston Fischer Writers Eleanor Wilson, Alex Huston Fischer Producers Brent Stiefel, Olivia Colman, David Michôd, Lia Buman, Tim Headington, Justin Lothrop, Brad Zimmerman, Ryan Heller, Ed Sinclair, Tom Carver Cast