**Olivia Wilde’s New Directorial Venture: ‘The Invite’ Set for June Release**
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Olivia Wilde is set to draw audiences into the complexities of relationships with her new film, ‘The Invite.’ The drama is scheduled to hit cinemas on June 26, and anticipations are high following the release of an intriguing trailer by A24. This marks Wilde’s third outing as a director, coming after her previous work, the psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ in 2022.
In ‘The Invite,’ Wilde stars alongside an impressive cast that includes Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. The plot revolves around a couple, Angela (Wilde) and Joe (Rogen), who invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbours for a seemingly innocent dinner party. However, as tension builds, the evening takes unexpected turns, forcing the couple to confront their fragile relationship. The official synopsis poses a tantalising question: have they reignited the spark in their marriage, or have they kindled a fire that will lead to its destruction?
The script for ‘The Invite’ is co-authored by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, emphasising the collaborative effort that has gone into the film’s development. Wilde completed filming for the movie in May 2025 after a compact schedule that lasted just 23 days, a feat she proudly shared on social media alongside her cast members, whom she described as “some of the greatest humans ever made.”
The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January, receiving an overwhelmingly positive reception from audiences. Critics hailed ‘The Invite’ as a remarkable addition to contemporary cinema, with a standing ovation following its screening prompting an emotional response from Wilde. During a post-screening Q&A, she expressed her joy at having the film premiere at such a prestigious festival, stating, “This was the dream, to premiere right here for you guys.” Sundance’s director, Kim Yutani, affirmed the film’s quality, praising the audience’s enthusiastic reaction as “very well deserved.”
While Wilde initially planned not to take on an acting role in the film, her eventual decision to cast herself added a new dimension to the project. Rogen, speaking during the Q&A, shared the behind-the-scenes conversations he had with Norton about convincing Wilde to play Angela. “We were texting each other like, ‘How the f— do we talk her into being in the movie?’” Rogen revealed. “There’s an obvious person who should do this.” His persistence eventually led Wilde to accept the role and, subsequently, reignited the film’s momentum.
The star-studded ensemble brings a mix of talents to the film, suggesting a dynamic and layered exploration of marital strife and rediscovery. Penélope Cruz, renowned for her varied and impactful roles, and Edward Norton, an established actor and filmmaker, add gravitas to the narrative, ensuring audiences will be captivated through the story’s twists and turns.
As Wilde continues to establish herself as a directorial voice in Hollywood, ‘The Invite’ is another testament to her evolving craft. With a focus on character-driven storytelling, the film promises to challenge viewers’ perceptions of love and intimacy, making it a highly anticipated release this summer.
In anticipation of the debut, Wilde’s approach to handling delicate themes with humour and authenticity has gleaned interest from both critics and fans. The film may resonate strongly with those who have experienced the complexities of love, making it a must-see when it hits theatres.
As the countdown to its release begins, audiences are eager to see how Wilde’s direction and storytelling choices manifest on screen. ‘The Invite’ appears poised to become a significant entry in the genre, blending both drama and comedy, and adding to the conversation about relationships in contemporary society.