Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård is set to star in the upcoming gothic horror film, “The Wolf Will Tear Your Immaculate Hands.” This film marks Skarsgård’s return to Scandinavian cinema after a decade hiatus. Directed by Nathalie Álvarez Mesén, the film is slated for release in May 2026.
Production Details
Currently in production, “The Wolf Will Tear Your Immaculate Hands” is Mesén’s second feature, following her critically acclaimed debut, “Clara Sola.” This project will be in English and aims to blend character-driven storytelling and magic realism in a period setting.
Creative Team
- Director/Writer: Nathalie Álvarez Mesén
- Co-Writer: Sjón, known for “The Northman” and “Lamb”
- Director of Photography: Hélène Louvart
- Editor: Marie-Hélène Dozo
- Production Designer: Lina Nordqvist
- Costume Designer: Margrét Einarsdóttir
Cast and Characters
In this film, Skarsgård plays a British widower in the Pacific Northwest during the 1880s. He employs a Native American governess to educate his two daughters. The cast also features:
- Darla Contois: The governess, recognized for her role in “Little Bird.”
- Bronte Carmichael: One daughter, known for “Star Wars: Andor.”
- Lily La Torre: The other daughter, featured in “Run Rabbit Run.”
- Forrest Goodluck: A supporting role.
- Pernilla August: Another significant character.
Film Themes
Mesén describes the film as a narrative about breaking free from patriarchal structures. The story delves into themes of empowerment and the struggle against societal expectations. Sjón praises Mesén’s ability to intertwine dark Northern themes with Latin American warmth in her storytelling.
Production Locations and Challenges
Filming primarily takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which resembles the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforests. The production faced challenges such as building the widower’s house on location to ensure authenticity.
Funding and Distribution
The film has garnered support from various international partners and funding sources, including:
- Resolve Media (U.S.)
- Quiddity Films (UK)
- Need Productions (Belgium)
- Still Vivid (Iceland)
Producer Nima Yousefi emphasized the combination of public and private financing to facilitate Mesén’s artistic vision. Distribution in Sweden will be handled by TriArt, with further international distribution plans forthcoming.
The anticipation around “The Wolf Will Tear Your Immaculate Hands” continues to grow as the film approaches its 2026 release, promising an engaging exploration of its themes through a unique narrative lens.
