Penélope Cruz Ignites Hollywood Bidding War: Inside the Buzz on Her New Film!

The Sundance Film Festival, a key launchpad for many successful independent films, is no stranger to intense bidding wars. The latest buzz is around the comedy “The Invite,” directed by actress Olivia Wilde, who previously made waves with her directorial debut, the teen comedy “Booksmart” in 2019, and followed it with the polarizing thriller “Don’t Worry Darling” in 2022, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles.

A Remake of a Film That Already Has a French Version

In her new film, Wilde casts herself and Seth Rogen as a couple in a troubled relationship who are invited to dinner by their mysterious neighbors, played by Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz, who are in a polyamorous relationship and make them an unexpected offer.

If this plot sounds familiar, it might be because you’ve seen “And If Affinities.” Indeed, “The Invite” is a remake of the Spanish film “Sentimental,” which inspired the French comedy featuring Isabelle Carré and Bernard Campan, released in 2024. The American version is penned by actress Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) and Will McCormack.

A Hit Adult Comedy That Captivated Sundance

With a 91% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Olivia Wilde’s film has clearly hit the mark. Described as “wonderfully entertaining” by Variety, a “really funny and exceptionally smart comedy for adults” by The Guardian, and “a true delight, an adult comedy that has a lot to say and even more laughs” by IndieWire, “The Invite” not only charmed critics but also the audience at the Sundance Film Festival, earning a standing ovation at the end of its screening.

Following such a warm reception, the film quickly became the center of a bidding war among several companies vying for its rights. Neon, Focus Features, Searchlight Pictures, and even Netflix and Apple showed interest, but it was ultimately A24 that won the tough battle. According to Variety, the deal was worth over 12 million dollars for the American rights.

Founded in 2012, A24 has quickly made a name for itself in Hollywood, becoming one of the trendiest production and distribution companies in recent years with unique films like “Moonlight” (2016), “Hereditary” (2018), “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022), and “The Brutalist” (2024). Their next major release is “Marty Supreme,” expected on February 18 in French theaters, which earned Timothée Chalamet another Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

No release date has been announced yet for “The Invite.”

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