Warner Bros Joins Bidding War for Olivia Wilde's 'The Invite'

New contemporary film label at Warner Bros competes with A24 and Focus Features for rights to Wilde's latest project.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Olivia Wilde's upcoming sexual comedy film "The Invite" has sparked a bidding war, with Warner Bros' new contemporary film label joining the mix alongside A24 and Focus Features. The film marks Wilde's return to the Warner Bros family after her previous project "Don't Worry Darling" was released through New Line Cinema. Sources indicate the negotiations for "The Invite" are intense, with Warner Bros looking to bring Wilde's latest work to their studio.

Why it matters

Olivia Wilde has emerged as a rising directorial talent in Hollywood, and her films have generated significant interest from major studios. The bidding war for "The Invite" highlights the high demand for Wilde's work and the competitive nature of the contemporary film market, where studios are vying to secure promising projects from up-and-coming filmmakers.

The details

Details about the plot of "The Invite" are being kept under wraps, but the film is described as a hot sexual comedy. The involvement of Warner Bros' new contemporary film label, headed by former NEON marketing executive Christian Parkes, adds an interesting twist to the negotiations, as the studio looks to expand its foothold in the genre.

  • The bidding war for "The Invite" is currently underway.

The players

Olivia Wilde

An American actress, director, and producer who has gained critical acclaim for her work, including the films "Booksmart" and "Don't Worry Darling".

Warner Bros

A major American film studio and entertainment company, known for producing and distributing a wide range of popular and acclaimed films.

A24

An independent entertainment company that has gained a reputation for producing and distributing critically acclaimed films, including "Moonlight" and "Lady Bird".

Focus Features

A major American film production and distribution company, known for producing and distributing a diverse range of films, including "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Theory of Everything".

Christian Parkes

The head of Warner Bros' new contemporary film label, who previously worked as a marketing executive at NEON.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The bidding war for Olivia Wilde's "The Invite" highlights the high demand for the director's work and the competitive nature of the contemporary film market, where major studios are vying to secure promising projects from up-and-coming filmmakers.