And then there was one.
After a multi-day bidding war, A24 has successfully secured worldwide rights to Olivia Wilde’s The Invite, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday. The indie studio beat out others, including Netflix, Focus Features, Searchlight, Black Bear, and NEON.
The film, which stars Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, was reportedly purchased for north of $12 million, even as Wilde held firm on her preference for a traditional theatrical release.
The Invite takes place in a single night, centering on a dinner party among neighbors. The four billed actors are the only ones to appear in the film, with much of the story happening in real time.
While many expect more deals to be forthcoming, this acquisition marks the largest package sold thus far in Park City. Though release details remain sparse, one has to assume that A24 will release later this year with an awards push all but guaranteed.
