Alexander Skarsgård described Valentino Vendetta Uomo Eau de Parfum as opening with intense ginger notes before evolving into something "more earthy, kind of cinnamony," in an interview with Harper's Bazaar tied to his new campaign for the scent alongside Dakota Johnson. "It hits you, then evolves, which I think is really appealing to me. I love how bold it is," he said, adding that the fragrance makes a statement rather than staying subtle.
Asked which of his past characters the scent suited best, Skarsgård pointed to Eric Northman, his vampire role on "True Blood," citing a shared "mischievous quality" and assertiveness, though he joked that practically speaking, his unwashed Viking character from "The Northman" needed it more. The campaign marks Skarsgård and Johnson's first time working together despite having known each other for roughly a decade, which he said let them skip the usual getting-to-know-you phase on set.