A24 Acquires Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ in Sundance Bidding War
A24 has emerged victorious in the competitive bidding war for Olivia Wilde’s latest film, “The Invite,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The multi-party auction concluded with an impressive eight-figure deal after a brief but intense 72-hour competition.
A Competitive Auction
The bidding began at $10 million and quickly escalated, reflecting high interest from multiple studios. Notably, A24 faced strong challenges from Warner Bros’ new contemporary film label and Focus Features. Previously, notable bidders included Netflix, Neon, and Searchlight.
Details About “The Invite”
“The Invite” marks another collaboration between Olivia Wilde and producer Megan Ellison at Annapurna, who previously worked together on “Booksmart.” The romantic comedy features Wilde alongside Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz.
- Synopsis: The film centers on two couples—Wilde and Rogen as Joe and Angela—whose relationship is precariously balanced as they prepare for a dinner with their complicated neighbors.
- Casting: The ensemble includes notable names such as Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton.
- Production Style: Wilde utilized a chronological shooting approach, treating the film as a play, based on a script adapted by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.
Wilde’s Celebratory Experience
Olivia Wilde expressed immense satisfaction after the film’s Sundance premiere, stating it was “the best night of my life.” She highlighted the joy of sharing laughter with the audience, which contributed to a vibrant atmosphere during the screening.
Team Behind the Film
The film’s sale was co-represented by UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation. Olivia Wilde is represented by CAA, Untitled, Narrative, and JSSK, while UTA also represents other key cast members and contributors.
With this acquisition, A24 continues to bolster its reputation for producing and distributing compelling cinematic narratives. “The Invite” holds significant potential, especially following the successful release of Wilde’s previous film, which had a near $20 million opening.
