A24's Sundance Success Story: Securing Olivia Wilde's 'The Invite' for Over $10 Million
A24's Sundance Sweep
In an intense bidding war at the Sundance Film Festival, A24 emerged victorious, securing the rights to Olivia Wilde and Annapurna's highly anticipated film, 'The Invite'. This deal, worth over $10 million, is a testament to the film's buzz and the fierce competition it attracted.
But here's where it gets interesting...
A Three-Way Race
It was a close call, with Warner Bros.' new film label, led by Christian Parkes, making a last-minute bid. A24 and Focus Features were also in the running, creating a thrilling three-way battle. With bids starting at $10 million and climbing, the stakes were high.
Wilde's previous film, 'Don't Worry Darling', had a stellar $20 million opening, so it's no surprise that studios were eager to get their hands on her new project.
The Story Behind 'The Invite'
'The Invite' reunites Wilde with Megan Ellison and Annapurna, the producers of her previous hit, 'Booksmart'. This romantic comedy follows two couples, Joe and Angela (played by Wilde and Seth Rogen), whose relationship is on the rocks. As their upstairs neighbors (Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz) arrive for dinner, things take a turn for the worse, leading to a night of chaos.
Wilde approached the filming process uniquely, shooting 'The Invite' in chronological order, treating it like a theatrical play.
A Sundance Premiere to Remember
Speaking to Deadline's Antonia Blyth at Sundance, Wilde described the premiere as an unforgettable experience. She said, "It was the best night of my life. To share that joy and laughter with the audience was truly magical. I felt like I was floating."
The Dealmakers
UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation facilitated the sale, while Wilde is represented by a star-studded team: CAA, Untitled, Narrative, and JSSK. Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton are also clients of CAA, while UTA represents Seth Rogen, Will McCormack, and Rashida Jones.
So, what do you think? Is 'The Invite' a must-watch? Will it live up to the hype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
