Skarsgård calls Sjón a magnificent writer

Alexander Skarsgård praised writer and screenwriter Sjón as a “magnificent writer” in an interview with mbl.is. The Swedish actor received an honorary award from the Reykjavík International Film Festival on Tuesday evening, alongside the Nordic premiere of his latest film, Wicker.

Skarsgård and Sjón have worked together on The Northman, in which Skarsgård starred and was also a producer. They are also collaborating on the upcoming film The Wolf Will Tear Your Immaculate Hands, whose screenplay Sjón co-wrote with Swedish-Costa Rican filmmaker Nathalie Álvarez Mesén.

Asked about working with Sjón, Skarsgård said he agreed to make the new film because he admired Sjón and had enjoyed working with him on The Northman. He described Sjón as a friend as well as an outstanding poet and writer.

Skarsgård said his choice of roles depends first on the script and character, as well as the director and fellow actors. He also considers the tone of his recent work, sometimes seeking comedy after a dark project, or a more serious role after a lighter one. “There is no predetermined plan,” he said. “I never know what I’ll do next.”

Skarsgård rose to international fame in 2008, playing Brad “Iceman” Colbert in Generation Kill and Eric Northman in True Blood, where he appeared in 76 episodes between 2008 and 2014. He later won Emmy and Golden Globe awards for playing Perry Wright in Big Little Lies and drew attention for his role as Lukas Matsson in Succession. He said he could not name one character as his favourite role.