Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ Secures A24 Deal Amid Sundance Auction
A24 has successfully acquired Olivia Wilde’s latest film, *The Invite*, securing a multi-party bidding deal at the Sundance Film Festival. This exciting announcement follows an intense 72-hour auction that culminated in an impressive eight-figure agreement.
The Bidding War for *The Invite*
The bidding for *The Invite* began at $10 million and quickly escalated. Major contenders included Warner Bros., which operates a new film label under Christian Parkes, as well as Focus Features. Previous bidders also included Netflix, Neon, and Searchlight.
- A24 ultimately won the title with an eight-figure deal.
- The bidding process lasted for 72 hours.
- Initial bids started at $10 million.
*The Invite* marks another collaboration between Olivia Wilde and producer Megan Ellison, under Annapurna, following their success with *Booksmart*. This romantic comedy features a stellar cast, including Wilde, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz.
Plot Overview
The film revolves around two couples facing a critical evening together. Joe and Angela, played by Wilde and Rogen, find their relationship strained as they prepare for dinner with their troublesome upstairs neighbors, portrayed by Norton and Cruz. As the night unfolds, the situation spirals out of control, leading to comedic chaos.
Sundance Premiere
Wilde expressed her joy during the film’s premiere at Sundance, describing it as “the best night of my life.” She noted the joy of experiencing the audience’s laughter, emphasizing the film’s vibrant atmosphere.
- Wilde directed *The Invite*, filming it in chronological order.
- The screenplay was adapted by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.
Key Players and Representation
The sale of *The Invite* was co-repped by UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation. Olivia Wilde is repped by CAA, Untitled, Narrative, and JSSK, while Penélope Cruz and Seth Rogen are also represented by CAA. UTA manages Edward Norton, Jones, and McCormack.
As A24 prepares for the film’s release, the cinematic world eagerly anticipates the outcome of Wilde’s latest project, *The Invite*. This deal highlights A24’s commitment to bringing innovative storytelling to audiences globally.
