Olivia Wilde's 'The Invite' Sells to A24 Following Sundance Premiere

After a competitive bidding process spanning several days, Olivia Wilde’s film “The Invite” has been acquired by A24. The deal marks a significant win for the director and producers, and signals continued interest in relationship-driven comedies.

A Heated Bidding War

A24 ultimately secured the rights to “The Invite” after a tense contest with Focus Features. Other potential buyers, including Neon, Netflix, Apple, Searchlight, and Black Bear, reportedly participated in initial negotiations before withdrawing. The sale price exceeded $12 million, according to sources with knowledge of the agreement.

Did You Know? Sundance Film Festival is scheduled to move to Boulder in 2027.

Creative Team and Production Details

Wilde collaborated once again with Annapurna, the studio behind her directorial debut, “Booksmart.” UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation facilitated the sale. The film features an ensemble cast including Wilde herself, alongside Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton.

The Story Behind “The Invite”

“The Invite” is described as a comedy centered around a dinner party where a couple navigating relationship difficulties encounter their swingers upstairs neighbors. The screenplay, penned by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, is based on the Spanish film “The People Upstairs.” CAA represents Wilde and Cruz, while UTA represents Rogen, Norton, McCormack, and Jones.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on a theatrical release, as advocated by Wilde, suggests a belief in the film’s broad appeal and potential for a traditional cinematic experience, a strategy that could influence A24’s distribution plans.

Broader Festival Trends

The sales market at this year’s festival has been described as slow. However, other projects are attracting attention, including Neon’s acquisition of “Leviticus” for a seven-figure sum, and interest in “Wicker” and “Josephine.”

Wilde’s Expanding Filmography

“The Invite” represents Wilde’s third directorial effort, following “Booksmart” (2019) and “Don’t Worry Darling” (2023). She also appeared at the festival with “I Want Your Sex,” directed by Gregg Araki, where she co-stars with Cooper Hoffman.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman praised “The Invite” as a “bravura dinner-party dramedy” that is both humorous and surprising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What studios were initially interested in acquiring “The Invite”?

A24 and Focus Features were in a bidding war for the rights, after initial interest from Neon, Netflix, Apple, Searchlight, and Black Bear.

Who wrote the screenplay for “The Invite”?

Rashida Jones and Will McCormack wrote the screenplay, which is a remake of the Spanish film “The People Upstairs.”

What other films has Olivia Wilde directed?

Olivia Wilde has previously directed “Booksmart” (2019) and “Don’t Worry Darling” (2023).

What impact will A24’s acquisition have on the future of independent film distribution?

Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ Sells to A24 Following Sundance Premiere