Olivia Wilde will direct “The Invite,” a provocative date night comedy inspired by the Spanish film “Sentimental,” and she’s rounded up an all-star cast. Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton will appear in the film, along with Wilde herself.
Cesc Gay directed the original film, which was adapted by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. According to the official synopsis, “The Invite” is about “a couple [who] invites the neighbors over, igniting an evening full of unexpected twists and turns, revealing deeply repressed emotions and unexplored sexuality.” Principal photography has started in Los Angeles.
The film is produced by FilmNation Entertainment’s Ben Browning, Annapurna Pictures’ Megan Ellison, and David Permut. Patrick Chu, Annapurna Head of Film and Television, is executive producing. FilmNation Entertainment and Annapurna Pictures are co-financing.
Wilde most recently directed “Don’t Worry Darling,” a thriller that became a box office success when it opened in 2022. She made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed comedy, “Booksmart.” As an actor, Wilde has starred in “Her,” “Rush,” and “Cowboys & Aliens.” She next stars in Gregg Araki’s comedy “I Want Your Sex” opposite Cooper Hoffman and Charli XCX. Wilde is also attached to direct Universal Pictures’ Christmas comedy “Naughty” and Warner Bros.’ “Avengelyne,” a film adaptation of the ’90s comic book character, both of which will be produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap.
Rogen recently debuted “The Studio,” a satire about Hollywood that he created and stars in, on Apple TV+. His credits include “Knocked Up,” “Superbad,” “Pineapple Express” and “The Fabelmans.” Wilde recently appeared as herself (or an exaggerated version of herself) alongside Rogen on “The Studio.”
Cruz is an Oscar winner whose credits include “Nine,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” and “Parallel Mothers.” She recently appeared in Michael Mann’s “Ferrari” and will next be seen in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride!”
Norton is coming off his Oscar-nominated role in “A Complete Unknown.” His credits include “Birdman,” “Primal Fear,” and “American History X,” all of which earned him Academy Award nominations.
FilmNation Entertainment is co-repping domestic rights with UTA Independent Film Group and is handling international sales.
FilmNation Entertainment backed “Anora,” Sean Baker’s best picture-winning comedy, as well as last year’s “Conclave.” Annapurna previously worked with Wilde on “Booksmart” and produces the Amazon Prime show “Sausage Party: Foodtopia,” which was created by and stars Rogen.
Rogen is repped by Principal Entertainment LA, UTA, ID, and Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan. Cruz is repped by CAA, Untitled, and Kuranda. Norton is repped by UTA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Wilde is repped by CAA, Untitled, Narrative and Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett & Kole.
The deals were negotiated by FilmNation Entertainment’s Alison Cohen and Ben Ryzak and Chris Corabi on behalf of Annapurna.
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