How’s this for an unconventional romance? Deadline reports that Olivia Coman and Dev Patel will star together in “Wicker,” which Black Bear will have on sale at next week’s AFM. And the film may be Colman’s most challenging performance yet; read on for the film’s synopsis to find out why.
On the outskirts of a village by the sea, lives a Fisherwoman (Olivia Colman); smelly, single and perpetually ridiculed. One day, fed up with her stuffy, small-minded neighbors, she commissions herself a husband to be made from wicker (Dev Patel). In an otherwise conservative town, this unconventional romance sparks outrage, jealousy and chaos.
Now, that synopsis doesn’t reveal if Patel will merely voice a wicker man or indeed play a live-action wicker man, but the premise of “Wicker” alone should have Colman fans intrigued. Colman’s no stranger to playing difficult women, and even won an Oscar for doing so in “The Favourite.” But this is an altogether different character for her and should be one to look out for.
Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson will co-direct “Wicker” from a script they also co-write, which adapts Ursula Wills-Jones‘ short story “The Wicker Husband.” Topic Studios and “Aftersun” banner Tango will co-finance the feature. Both banners also produce with Colman, Ed Sinclair, and Tom Carver through South Of The River, David Michôd, and Brad Zimmerman for Yoki. Inc. and Justin Lothrop and Brent Stiefel for Votiv.
Colman stars next in “Paul King‘s musical “Wonka” with Timothée Chalamet, in theaters this December. After that, “Wicked Little Letters,” which just had its world premiere at TIFF, hits theaters next February. Colman’s upcoming projects include Dougal Wilson‘s long-awaited sequel to “Paddington 2,” “Paddington In Peru.”
As for Patel, he stars in two recent Netflix production: Wes Anderson‘s “The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar” and “Poison.” Up next, he has his directorial debut “Monkey Man,” which he also co-writes and produces.
“Wicker” is Ficscher’s and Wilson’s follow-up to “Save Yourselves!,” which played at Sundance earlier this year.
It’ll be a while before “Wicker” reaches audiences. While the feature isn’t currently a SAG-AFTRA production, there’s no plans for it to start filming until mid-late 2024, so expect it out in time for awards season 2025.
