Warner Bros Enters the Fray
Warner Bros has entered the competitive arena for Olivia Wilde’s romantic comedy, The Invite. This film, which debuted at Sundance to enthusiastic laughter, is now part of a bidding contest involving A24 and Focus Features. The urgency surrounding its sale has heightened, reflecting the film’s potential as a crowd-pleaser.
Warner Bros Joins the Race
The bidding war escalated as Warner Bros launched a last-minute proposal through its new contemporary film label. This label is spearheaded by Christian Parkes, formerly of Neon, along with colleagues Jason Wald and Spener Collantes. The objective is to deliver intelligently budgeted global theatrical releases accompanied by creative marketing strategies.
About The Invite
The Invite revolves around two couples in a San Francisco apartment. Olivia Wilde stars alongside Seth Rogen, portraying a married couple grappling with relationship challenges. Their guests, played by Edward Norton and Penelope Cruz, bring intriguing dynamics to the story through their explorations of intimacy. The film was shot in chronological order, enhancing its theatrical feel.
Sundance Premiere Highlights
- The movie was well-received at its premiere, generating significant laughter among attendees.
- Wilde described the premiere as “the best night of my life,” expressing joy in sharing the experience with a lively audience.
- The response at Sundance has fueled interest from multiple studios.
Past Competition and Expectations
Previously, Netflix, Neon, and Searchlight also showed interest in the project. Wilde expressed her desire for a theatrical release, contrasting with her directorial debut, Booksmart, which was distributed by Amazon. Her second film, Don’t Worry Darling, achieved a nearly $20 million opening at the box office in fall 2022, aided by the star power of Harry Styles.
Development Journey
The idea for The Invite originated with David Permut, a producer known for Hacksaw Ridge. He acquired the rights to the Spanish comedy The People Upstairs by Cesc Gay, eventually collaborating with screenwriters Rashida Jones and Will McCormack to shape Wilde’s vision.
The recent surge of interest in The Invite highlights the film’s potential impact in the contemporary comedy landscape, promising an engaging experience for audiences.
