Blab Entertainment
Olivia Wildes The Invite Debuts to Standing Ovation at 2026 Sundance, Marks Return to Directing
A roar of applause greeted Olivia Wilde’s third feature film, The Invite, as it opened in the Eccles Theater in Park City, Utah, on January 24 2026. The comedy follows a married couple whose dinner party spirals into chaos, and the audience’s standing ovation signaled a warm welcome to Wilde’s return behind the camera.
Wilde’s career has long bridged acting and directing. She first captured national attention as the lead in the medical drama House (2007‑2012) and later appeared in blockbusters such as Tron: Legacy (2010) and Cowboys & Aliens (2011). Her directorial debut came in 2019 with the teen comedy Booksmart, earning an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. After Don’t Worry Darling (2022), released by Warner Bros. and receiving mixed reviews—including a Guardian critique that called it “empty feminism”—Wilde took time for personal reflection and therapy before returning to the director’s chair.
The Invite is an English‑language remake of the 2020 Spanish film The People Upstairs by Cesc Gay. The screenplay was penned by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. Wilde stars as Angela, joined by Seth Rogen as Joe, Penélope Cruz as Piña, and Edward Norton as Hawk. She described the production as an experiment: the cast rehearsed the script for two weeks, running seven‑hour sessions with actors and writers, and the film was shot in sequence to preserve the energy of the performances. A24 secured distribution rights after a 72‑hour bidding war that also involved Warner Bros. and Netflix, reportedly paying over $12 million for the film.
Critics at Sundance lauded the film’s blend of humor and social commentary. A Guardian review called it a “smart and funny winner about sex, marriage and partner‑swapping.” The standing ovation and strong audience response positioned The Invite alongside other highlighted releases such as Fing and Union County.
Wilde’s personal life has also been in the public eye. She dated singer Harry Styles, her co‑star in Don’t Worry Darling, for two years until late 2022. She has spoken publicly about the media scrutiny she faced during that period, noting that the studio advised her to remain silent. In 2024 she began co‑parenting her children, Daisy (9) and Otis (12), with actor Jason Sudeikis, the creator of Ted Lasso. Wilde has emphasized her focus on providing a supportive environment for her children and has expressed a desire to shield them from online criticism.
Following the Sundance premiere, The Invite is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 26 2026 by A24. Wilde is also slated to appear in an episode of Seth Rogen’s Apple TV+ series The Studio and to star in I Want Your Sex, a film that will release a month after The Invite. She has indicated that her next directorial project will be a “heartbreaking” and “hilarious” film, though no title or release date has been announced.
At present, Wilde’s career is marked by a balance of film releases, television appearances, and personal milestones. Her work continues to receive attention from critics and audiences alike, and her upcoming projects are positioned to maintain her visibility in the independent film circuit.
Wilde’s career has long bridged acting and directing. She first captured national attention as the lead in the medical drama House (2007‑2012) and later appeared in blockbusters such as Tron: Legacy (2010) and Cowboys & Aliens (2011). Her directorial debut came in 2019 with the teen comedy Booksmart, earning an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. After Don’t Worry Darling (2022), released by Warner Bros. and receiving mixed reviews—including a Guardian critique that called it “empty feminism”—Wilde took time for personal reflection and therapy before returning to the director’s chair.
The Invite is an English‑language remake of the 2020 Spanish film The People Upstairs by Cesc Gay. The screenplay was penned by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. Wilde stars as Angela, joined by Seth Rogen as Joe, Penélope Cruz as Piña, and Edward Norton as Hawk. She described the production as an experiment: the cast rehearsed the script for two weeks, running seven‑hour sessions with actors and writers, and the film was shot in sequence to preserve the energy of the performances. A24 secured distribution rights after a 72‑hour bidding war that also involved Warner Bros. and Netflix, reportedly paying over $12 million for the film.
Critics at Sundance lauded the film’s blend of humor and social commentary. A Guardian review called it a “smart and funny winner about sex, marriage and partner‑swapping.” The standing ovation and strong audience response positioned The Invite alongside other highlighted releases such as Fing and Union County.
Wilde’s personal life has also been in the public eye. She dated singer Harry Styles, her co‑star in Don’t Worry Darling, for two years until late 2022. She has spoken publicly about the media scrutiny she faced during that period, noting that the studio advised her to remain silent. In 2024 she began co‑parenting her children, Daisy (9) and Otis (12), with actor Jason Sudeikis, the creator of Ted Lasso. Wilde has emphasized her focus on providing a supportive environment for her children and has expressed a desire to shield them from online criticism.
Following the Sundance premiere, The Invite is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 26 2026 by A24. Wilde is also slated to appear in an episode of Seth Rogen’s Apple TV+ series The Studio and to star in I Want Your Sex, a film that will release a month after The Invite. She has indicated that her next directorial project will be a “heartbreaking” and “hilarious” film, though no title or release date has been announced.
At present, Wilde’s career is marked by a balance of film releases, television appearances, and personal milestones. Her work continues to receive attention from critics and audiences alike, and her upcoming projects are positioned to maintain her visibility in the independent film circuit.
