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

The relationship comedy sparked a multi-day bidding war among distributors.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:47pm

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After a competitive bidding war, Olivia Wilde's Sundance film 'The Invite' has been acquired by A24 for a reported price tag north of $12 million. The hilarious ensemble comedy, which Wilde directed and co-stars in alongside Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton, follows a couple going through a rough patch who host their upstairs neighbors, who turn out to be swingers, for a dinner party.

Why it matters

The sale of 'The Invite' to A24 marks another high-profile acquisition for the indie studio, which has a track record of supporting auteur-driven films. Wilde's third directorial effort, the film was highly sought after by several major distributors following its Sundance premiere, underscoring the director's growing clout in Hollywood.

The details

After other interested buyers like Neon, Netflix, Apple, Searchlight and newcomer Black Bear backed out of negotiations, A24 and Focus Features engaged in a tense multi-day bidding war for the rights to 'The Invite.' Wilde, who reteamed with Annapurna for the project, pushed for a traditional theatrical release for the film, which was co-written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack and is a remake of the Spanish film 'The People Upstairs.'

  • Olivia Wilde's 'The Invite' premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

The players

Olivia Wilde

An American actress, director, producer, and activist who directed and co-stars in 'The Invite.'

A24

An independent entertainment company that has acquired the distribution rights to 'The Invite' following a competitive bidding war.

Megan Ellison

The founder of Annapurna Pictures, which produced 'The Invite' in collaboration with Wilde.

Seth Rogen

A Canadian actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director who co-stars in 'The Invite.'

Penelope Cruz

A Spanish actress who co-stars in 'The Invite.'

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What they’re saying

“Variety's chief film critic Owen Gleiberman praised 'The Invite' as a 'bravura dinner-party dramedy' that 'keeps you laughing and never stops surprising.'”

— Owen Gleiberman, Chief Film Critic (Variety)

What’s next

The Invite is expected to receive a traditional theatrical release through A24, though specific release plans have not yet been announced.

The takeaway

Olivia Wilde's growing clout as a director is underscored by the competitive bidding war for her latest film 'The Invite,' which was ultimately acquired by indie powerhouse A24. The sale highlights the continued demand for auteur-driven, high-concept comedies in the current entertainment landscape.