Alexander Skarsgård has given viewers plenty to look at in his latest magazine photoshoot, but it is not just his unusual outfits attracting attention. The actor's seemingly bewildered expression across several photographs, particularly one showing him shirtless in a dramatic Elizabethan-style ruff, has prompted jokes about how confused he appears throughout the shoot.
The striking editorial features the Swedish actor as the cover star of The Sunday Times Style's 18 October 2026 issue. While the fashion choices offer plenty of visual drama, it is his repeated puzzled look that has become an unexpected talking point among viewers.
A Photoshoot Full of Surprises
The editorial presents Skarsgård in a series of distinctive fashion looks, with photographer Olivia Frølich behind the camera. The shoot experiments with dramatic shapes, unusual combinations and expressive poses rather than sticking to straightforward celebrity portraits.
Skarsgård appears in several different ensembles, although viewers have noticed that his facial expression seems remarkably consistent throughout the collection.
The Shirtless Elizabethan Look
One of the most eye-catching outfits features Skarsgård wearing a large white Elizabethan-style ruff around his neck, with his chest left exposed. The historically-inspired accessory creates a striking contrast with the otherwise bare upper half of his body, making it one of the editorial's more unconventional styling choices.
The oversized collar has prompted playful questions about the thinking behind the combination. Some commenters focused on the unusual pairing of historical neckwear and a shirtless look, while others found the styling amusing.
His Expression Has Fans Talking
However, the unusual wardrobe is only part of the story, as Skarsgård's facial expressions have attracted just as much attention. Across several photographs, he appears to maintain a wide-eyed, slightly bewildered look, giving the impression that he has been caught in the middle of trying to understand something.
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The reactions have included playful observations about his apparent confusion, with one commenter writing that he looked 'confused to be there'. Others have similarly focused on his expressions, turning the photographs into an entertaining talking point rather than simply discussing the clothes.
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Fans Think He Forgot
Some of the funniest reactions have centred on the impression that Skarsgård looks almost unaware of what is happening around him. His seemingly puzzled poses have inspired jokes about whether he knows exactly what is going on in the photographs.
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The contrast between his serious modelling poses and the eccentric clothing has added to the humour. Although there is no indication that the actor was genuinely confused during the shoot, the photographs have given viewers plenty of room to interpret his expressions in their own amusing ways.
The Styling Gets Mixed Reactions
Beyond the expressions and dramatic collar, the editorial has also attracted different opinions about its fashion direction. Some viewers appreciated the unusual combinations and playful styling, while others questioned certain outfit choices and felt the looks were more confusing than flattering.
Nevertheless, Skarsgård's ability to carry unconventional pieces remains part of the appeal. His towering presence and recognisable features provide a strong contrast to the experimental clothing, even when the overall styling leaves viewers scratching their heads.
A Different Side of Alexander
The photoshoot accompanies an interview exploring Skarsgård's life and career, including fatherhood, fashion, family life in Sweden and his upcoming film, Wicker. The interview adds a more personal dimension to an editorial that otherwise leans heavily into unusual visual presentation.
For now, it is the combination of a shirtless historical-style collar and Skarsgård's repeatedly bewildered expression that has viewers amused. Whether the poses were deliberately playful or simply part of the photographer's creative direction, the photographs have certainly given audiences plenty to talk about.
