The former True Blood star looked almost unrecognisable when he graced the red carpet in San Francisco, California wearing a full-length gold gown, silver high-heeled shoes and a voluminous blonde wig.

Skarsgard completed the look with fake tan, heavy make-up, false eyelashes, large hoop earrings, fake nails and a small purse.

He towered above his co-star Bel Powley and director Marielle Keller, who also appeared to wear fancy dress outfits to the Castro Theatre screening.

Costume designer Amie Sarazan later shared a picture of the actor in drag and added in a post on Twitter.com, "Alexander Skarsgard in a gorgeous Farrah Fawcett inspired gown made by me!"

It is not known why Skarsgard, who previously portrayed a transvestite in Swedish film Kill Your Darlings, dressed in drag.