A24 has gained distribution rights to Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen’s new film, The Invite, after going against Focus Features and Warner Bros. Pictures’ new contemporary film label. The lengthy negotiation resulted in A24 securing the rights to The Invite for $10-12 million. Netflix, Neon, Apple, Searchlight, Black Bear, and Sony were also in the bidding.
The Invite takes inspiration from Cesc Gay’s 2020 Spanish feature, The People Upstairs. The movie also stars Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz. Rashida Jones and Jesse Forever are in charge of writing the script. The Invite marks Wilde’s third feature directorial debut. It marks her second collaboration with Annapurna Pictures and Megan Ellison as well.
The movie follows a married couple who are having trouble in paradise. Their lives change forever after having dinner with their neighbors Hawk and Pina (Norton and Cruz). It’s such a great film that Rotten Tomatoes has even given it a 90%. Other journalists like The Hollywood Reporter‘s David Rooney said, “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.”
