“Wicker” Sparks Internet Buzz: BookTok Romance Reads to Savor Before the Film Debuts

Wicker, the upcoming dark comedy featuring Alexander Skarsgård as a man literally woven from wicker, has captured the internet’s attention — and imagination. Following its Sundance premiere and the release of its first trailer, the film has become a viral sensation on TikTok, with viewers marveling at both its whimsical premise and the more… personal implications of its protagonist’s unique construction.

In the film, Skarsgård plays a husband crafted from wicker by a local artisan (Peter Dinklage) at the request of a lonely fisherwoman (Olivia Colman). Upon arriving in her remote village, the peculiar figure becomes an object of fascination, desire, and unexpected chaos — because despite his organic exterior, he fits right into the town’s romantic dynamics.

Fandango’s trailer post for Wicker has racked up over 14 million views, with TikTok users diving deep into everything from the philosophical questions raised by artificial companionship to humorous musings on how such a being might navigate everyday life — and intimacy. Jokes about “wicker splinters during intimacy” and fan-made videos titled “Waiting for Wicker Like” have flooded the platform, showcasing the film’s ability to blend absurdity with genuine intrigue.

Even 4DX theaters have entered the conversation, with fans urging the chain to host special screenings, praising the potential sensory experience of watching a character made entirely of plant fiber come to life on screen.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

If Wicker has piqued your curiosity about unconventional romantic leads, then Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses offers one of BookTok’s most cherished fantasy partners. While the first book sets up expectations around its central couple, it’s the second installment that introduces the real heartthrob favored by fans — a faerie lord whose complexity elevates every page.

This trend reflects a broader shift within BookTok culture, where the term “book boyfriend” now encompasses any compelling male lead — fae royalty, dragon riders, vampires, witches, mythical beasts, or morally ambiguous nobles with layered histories and tangled emotions. These characters resonate deeply because they combine strength with vulnerability, mystery with passion — qualities that translate effortlessly into digital adoration.

As anticipation builds for Wicker’s theatrical debut, these romantasy novels provide ample distraction — offering spellbinding stories filled with enchanted realms, swoon-worthy romance, and just the right amount of steamy intrigue.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Debating which fictional hero deserves your undying loyalty? Throne of Glass delivers in spades. This sprawling saga features no shortage of eligible suitors, each bringing their own flavor to the mix — from charming rogues to fierce warriors to tragic antiheroes. No matter your preference, there’s bound to be someone here worth stanning.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

With traits like brooding intensity, deadly charm, and undeniable charisma — plus the bonus of being a dragon rider — Xaden from Fourth Wing checks all boxes for modern-day romance cravings. His slow-burn tension with Violet keeps readers glued to every page, making him a standout among today’s top-tier book hunks.

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham

Fans craving high-stakes magic and swoon-worthy royals shouldn’t miss Zodiac Academy: The Awakening. Here, twin sisters navigate elite fae society while becoming entangled with four dangerous heirs — each bringing their own share of scandal, power, and chemistry to the table.

Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

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Fallen angels, buried secrets, and deadly conspiracies set the stage for another smashing hit from Sarah J. Maas. Enter Hunt — a brooding half-angel with a troubled past and unexpected softness underneath his hardened exterior. Paired with dynamic heroine Bryce, their investigation unfolds alongside a slow-burn romance that proves sometimes opposites really do attract.

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

For those who adore a good bad boy with a hidden heart, Quicksilver delivers in spades. At its core lies Kingfisher — a fearsome fae with a reputation for ruthlessness, yet one whose protectiveness toward the heroine reveals layers beneath his hardened façade. Think sharp wit, simmering tension, and plenty of fire.

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Enter a world where dragons soar and danger lurks behind every corner — and where Rooke, a brooding warrior haunted by his past, finds himself tangled in unexpected emotions. As he guards his assigned bride against threats both mortal and mystical, sparks fly between duty and desire in this sweeping tale of love and legacy.

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

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Built for battle and blessed with divine gifts, Freya strides boldly into a war-torn realm inspired by Norse lore. Her path collides with Bjorn — a fierce warrior bound by honor and burdened by secrets. Caught between destiny and passion, their alliance evolves into something far more intoxicating than either anticipated.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Lara’s mission is clear: infiltrate the court of her sworn enemy and dismantle his kingdom from within. But when she’s wed to King Aren as part of her covert operation, the lines between deception and devotion begin to blur. With betrayal lurking around every turn and passion simmering beneath the surface, trust becomes the ultimate gamble.

Based on Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story “The Wicker Husband,” Wicker draws inspiration from a decades-old tale of longing and invention. Though the original text remains unavailable in traditional print formats, its spirit lives on through this innovative adaptation.

Until Wicker graces theater screens near you, dive into these swoon-worthy tales and discover your next literary obsession. Stream the trailer below ahead of the film’s highly anticipated arrival.

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