A24 Snaps Up Olivia Wilde’s Star-Studded New Film With Seth Rogen

Olivia Wilde just premiered her third feature at Sundance, it sparked a bidding war, and A24 walked out with the prize. Yes, that A24. The movie is called 'The Invite', it stars Wilde and Seth Rogen as a couple on the rocks, and it comes with some unexpectedly spicy neighbor drama courtesy of Edward Norton and Penelope Cruz. Also, the reviews are strong. Like, immediately-90-percent-on-Rotten-Tomatoes strong.

What A24 actually bought

A24 snagged distribution rights to 'The Invite' after a heated auction that reportedly landed in the $10 to $12 million range, possibly higher. The fiercest competition came from Focus Features and Warner Bros.' new contemporary film label, but plenty of other players circled.

• In the mix: Netflix, Neon, Apple, Searchlight, Black Bear, and Sony

Wilde reportedly wants a theatrical release, which tracks with A24 getting involved.

The movie itself

This one is a remake of Cesc Gay's 2020 Spanish film 'The People Upstairs'. The setup: Joe and Angela (Rogen and Wilde) are going through it as a married couple. Then they have a dinner with their neighbors, Hawk and Pina (Norton and Cruz), and things take a sharp, twisty left turn. That cast is not subtle, and the film does not sound shy about putting them through awkward, messy relationship landmines.

Behind the scenes, it's Wilde's third time in the director's chair after 'Booksmart' (2019) and 'Don't Worry Darling' (2022). It's also her second collaboration with Annapurna Pictures and Megan Ellison, who produced 'Booksmart' and are back on this one. The script comes from Rashida Jones (yes, 'Parks and Rec' Rashida Jones) and her 'Celeste and Jesse Forever' writing partner Will McCormack.

Early reaction

Critics at Sundance were into it. As of now, 'The Invite' is sitting at 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety praised it for feeling startlingly current about how relationships actually work (or fail to), and The Daily Beast called it both hysterical and unexpectedly moving.

'After the disproportionate bashing Wilde took on Don't Worry Darling, her new movie should silence the doubters. At this point, it's hard to deny she's the real deal as a director.'

- David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

One odd note

The film is reportedly dedicated to Diane Keaton. And yes, despite one report weirdly calling her the late Diane Keaton, she is very much alive.

The bottom line

'The Invite' premiered strong at Sundance, triggered a multi-studio dogfight, and landed at a distributor that knows how to launch buzzy, conversation-starting films. Wilde, Rogen, Norton, and Cruz is a smart, slightly chaotic lineup, and if A24 gives it the theatrical rollout Wilde wants, expect it to be a word-of-mouth date-night litmus test. In the best way.