Olivia Wilde Sex Comedy The Invite Lands at A24

Published: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 4:44 am

Olivia Wilde's "The Invite" Acquired by A24 After Sundance Bidding War

Olivia Wilde's latest directorial effort, the sex comedy "The Invite," has been acquired by A24 following a highly competitive bidding war at the Sundance Film Festival. The deal, reportedly worth eight figures, marks a reunion for Wilde with Megan Ellison and Annapurna, who previously collaborated on her directorial debut, "Booksmart."

"The Invite" is a remake of the Spanish-language film "Sentimental" and features a star-studded cast including Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penelope Cruz, alongside Wilde herself. The film centers on a couple whose relationship is on the brink of collapse. They host a dinner party with their neighbors, whose relationship appears to possess the passion and open communication that the first couple's is lacking.

The film premiered at the Eccles Theater on Friday night, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. Critics have also offered positive reviews, with one describing the film as "smart, sophisticated, and incisively acted adult entertainment" that explores the complexities of marriage.

The acquisition by A24 was the first major sale of the festival, following an all-night bidding war involving several distributors, including Neon, Focus, and Netflix. Wilde stated that she chose to make the film outside of the studio system to allow for greater creative freedom, including filming in order and weeks of rehearsals.

The film's sale was co-repped by UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation. CAA represents Wilde and Cruz, while UTA represents Rogen, Norton, Will McCormack, and Rashida Jones.

BNN's Perspective:

The acquisition of "The Invite" by A24 is a positive sign for independent cinema. The film's subject matter, coupled with the talent involved, suggests a project that could resonate with audiences seeking more nuanced and mature storytelling. The fact that the film was made outside the studio system could allow for a more authentic and artistically driven vision.

Keywords: Olivia Wilde, The Invite, A24, Sundance, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, Penelope Cruz, sex comedy, movie acquisition, film festival, independent film, Booksmart, Sentimental, directorial effort

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