Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ Spurs $12M Bidding Battle: A24 vs. Focus Features
A bidding war has erupted between A24 and Focus Features for Olivia Wilde’s latest film, “The Invite.” The movie received widespread acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered at Eccles Theater.
Details of the Bidding War
Numerous studios expressed interest in “The Invite” after its debut. Initially, companies such as Neon, Netflix, Apple, Searchlight, and Black Bear were keen on acquiring distribution rights. However, as offers surpassed $10 million, these options dwindled.
Wilde preferred a traditional theatrical release, which focused the negotiation between A24 and Focus Features. Currently, the bids are exceeding $12 million according to insider reports.
About “The Invite”
“The Invite” is directed by Olivia Wilde, featuring a script by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. The film is an English-language remake of the Spanish comedy “The People Upstairs.” It revolves around a dinner party involving a married couple and their neighboring swingers.
Cast and Crew
- Director: Olivia Wilde
- Writers: Rashida Jones, Will McCormack
- Starring: Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, Edward Norton
This project marks Wilde’s third directorial effort, following the successful films “Booksmart” (2019) and “Don’t Worry Darling” (2023). She also appeared at Sundance in “I Want Your Sex,” directed by Gregg Araki, which features Cooper Hoffman.
Critical Reception
Critics have lauded “The Invite” for its engaging narrative and clever humor. Owen Gleiberman, chief film critic for Variety, described it as a “bravura dinner-party dramedy” that recalls classic works while feeling fresh and relevant.
He noted that the film offers a vibrant exploration of relationships, keeping audiences entertained with its surprises and laughs. The critical acclaim surrounding “The Invite” has undoubtedly fueled the competitive bidding environment.
