Sundance: Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ Bidding War Narrows Amid $12M+ Offers

PARK CITY (Azat TV) – Olivia Wilde’s latest directorial effort, “The Invite,” has ignited the first major bidding war at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, with offers for the acclaimed sex comedy now exceeding $12 million. The intense competition has reportedly narrowed to A24 and Focus Features, as Wilde’s stated preference for a traditional theatrical release influenced several streaming giants to withdraw from negotiations, signaling a strong market for director-driven independent features with star power.

A Frenzied Festival Debut

“The Invite” premiered to widespread critical acclaim and a standing ovation at Park City’s Eccles Theater on Saturday night, immediately becoming the most sought-after title at this year’s festival. The initial pool of interested buyers included prominent distributors such as Neon, Netflix, Apple, Searchlight, and the newly established Black Bear. However, as the bidding escalated past the $10 million mark, companies primarily focused on streaming distribution began to recede. Sources familiar with the negotiations, as reported by Variety, confirmed that current offers are now north of $12 million, with A24 and Focus Features emerging as the primary contenders.

The film’s strong reception and the ensuing bidding frenzy have reportedly siphoned attention from other sales titles at Sundance, underscoring its immediate impact. “A24 wants to win,” one source told The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting the competitive atmosphere surrounding the film’s acquisition.

The Premise and Star-Studded Cast

Directed by Olivia Wilde and written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, “The Invite” is described as a sharp sex comedy. The narrative unfolds during a dinner party hosted by a warring married couple, whose evening takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of their upstairs neighbors, who are revealed to be swingers. The film boasts a high-profile ensemble cast, featuring Wilde herself alongside Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton.

“The Invite” is an English-language remake of a Spanish-language film titled “Sentimental.” Production for the movie was swift, reportedly shot in Los Angeles over a 23-day period, in sequence, and with extensive rehearsal time, which contributed to its polished execution. Megan Ellison, who previously produced Wilde’s critically lauded 2019 directorial debut “Booksmart,” returned to produce “The Invite,” reinforcing a successful collaboration.

Olivia Wilde’s Growing Directorial Footprint

“The Invite” marks Olivia Wilde’s third feature film as a director, following the critically acclaimed ‘Booksmart’ (2019) and the high-profile ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2023). Her presence at Sundance this year is notable not only for her directorial success but also for her acting role in another festival entry, director Gregg Araki’s erotic thriller “I Want Your Sex,” in which she co-stars with Cooper Hoffman.

Her consistent output and the commercial success of her previous films, coupled with the immediate buzz around “The Invite,” solidify her position as a significant voice in contemporary filmmaking. The explicit demand for a traditional theatrical release for “The Invite” is a clear signal of Wilde’s vision for her work to reach audiences on the big screen, a preference that has reshaped the bidding landscape for her latest project.

The intense bidding war for ‘The Invite’ at Sundance, driven by a desire for a traditional theatrical release, underscores a robust market for star-driven, critically acclaimed independent films that resonate with live audiences, potentially setting a new benchmark for acquisitions at the festival.