A24 has secured the distribution rights for Olivia Wilde’s film The Invite after an intense bidding war at Sundance. The competitive process lasted 72 hours and involved multiple top studios vying to acquire the title.
The bids began at $10 million and escalated to an eight-figure sum. Olivia Wilde insisted on a theatrical release, which influenced the studio’s final decision. In the final rounds, A24 faced competition from Warner Bros.’ new contemporary film label and Focus Features.
Other studios previously interested in The Invite included Netflix, Neon, Searchlight, and Sony. Ultimately, A24 prevailed and will now handle the film’s release. The film reunites Wilde with producer Megan Ellison and Annapurna, known for producing Booksmart.
The Invite is a romantic comedy focusing on two couples, played by Wilde and Seth Rogen, whose relationship faces a turning point during a dinner with their upstairs neighbors, portrayed by Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz. The story highlights how everything that can go wrong, indeed worsens over the course of the evening.
Wilde directed the film in chronological order, treating the project as if it were a stage play. This method allowed her to maintain a natural, progressive build-up of the story. She described the Sundance premiere as “the best night of my life” and shared how joyful it was to experience the audience’s laughter firsthand.
UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation managed the sales process, while Olivia Wilde’s representation includes agencies such as CAA, Untitled, Narrative, and JSSK. Key cast members Edward Norton, Seth Rogen, Rashida Jones, and Will McCormack are also represented by prominent agencies including UTA and CAA.
Key Details:
- The Invite was acquired by A24 after a 72-hour bidding war.
- The deal reached a highly competitive eight-figure price.
- Warner Bros.’ new film label and Focus Features were the final contenders.
- Olivia Wilde insisted on a theatrical release.
- The cast includes Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz.
- The project reunites Wilde with producer Megan Ellison and Annapurna.
- Filming was done in chronological order, enhancing the play-like narrative.
- Premiere at Sundance was met with high audience enthusiasm.
This acquisition reinforces A24’s continued interest in distributing distinctive, auteur-driven projects. The film’s strong creative team and cast are expected to draw considerable attention upon release. With Wilde’s rising profile as a director and star-studded ensemble, The Invite is positioned to be one of the forthcoming season’s notable releases.
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