Key Points

Olivia Wilde is expanding her directorial portfolio with the upcoming comedy 'The Invite', featuring an impressive ensemble cast including Penelope Cruz and Seth Rogen. The film promises to explore complex relationship dynamics through an unexpected evening between neighbors. Wilde, who previously directed 'Booksmart' and 'Don't Worry Darling', continues to establish herself as a multi-talented filmmaker. Her passion for directing stems from finding creative independence after years of acting.

Key Points: Olivia Wilde Directs Penelope Cruz in Comedy 'The Invite'

  • Wilde's second directorial project after critically acclaimed 'Booksmart'
  • Star-studded cast including Seth Rogen and Edward Norton
  • Comedy inspired by Spanish film 'Sentimental'
  • Explores complex relationship dynamics
2 min read

Olivia Wilde to direct Penelope Cruz in upcoming comedy movie

Hollywood's Olivia Wilde takes the helm of a provocative comedy starring Penelope Cruz, exploring unexpected relationship dynamics

"With being a director, there's a sense of agency - Olivia Wilde"

Los Angeles, April 24

Hollywood actress-director Olivia Wilde is set to take the reins on a new comedy movie called 'The Invite'. What's even better is that the film will star Penelope Cruz.

The 41-year-old star, who made her directorial debut with the teen comedy film 'Booksmart' back in 2019, is set to helm the upcoming date-night comedy movie, which is inspired by the Spanish film 'Sentimental', reports 'Female First UK'.

Olivia will also star in the movie alongside the likes of Seth Rogen, and Edward Norton, 'Variety' states. The film's official synopsis explains that 'The Invite' is about "a couple (who) invites the neighbours over, igniting an evening full of unexpected twists and turns, revealing deeply repressed emotions and unexplored sexuality".

Olivia's most-recent directing credit is 'Don't Worry Darling', the 2022 thriller film that starred the likes of Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Gemma Chan, Nick Kroll and Chris Pine.

As per 'Female First UK', the actress-turned-director is also set to helm 'Naughty', an upcoming Christmas comedy movie, as well as 'Avengelyne', a film adaptation of the comic book character. Olivia previously admitted to feeling liberated as a director.

The Hollywood star recalled feeling a "thrill of independence" while directing her first film. She told The Talk, "For me, directing has been liberating in a way that is very profound because as an actor, you are very dependent. You're dependent on people choosing you and people projecting a certain kind of definition onto you of a character of what you are. I think it's quite an enormous responsibility to hold all of those projections".

"With being a director, there's a sense of agency. I think the first time that I called action on my own set of my first film, I felt a thrill of independence for the first time. My value on a set was entirely based on my ideas and if I had an instinct to change a scene, I could do that. I think spending 20 years as an actress allowed me to really understand the value of having that type of independence", she added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
So excited for this! Olivia Wilde directing Penelope Cruz is a dream combo. Loved Booksmart and can't wait to see what she does with this material. The cast looks amazing too! 🤩
M
Michael T.
Interesting choice after Don't Worry Darling. I hope she can balance the comedy better this time - that last film had some tonal issues. But with this cast, it's definitely worth checking out.
J
Jasmine L.
Penelope Cruz in a comedy? Yes please! She's so versatile. And Olivia Wilde seems to really understand actors from her comments about directing. Can't wait for this!
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David P.
The premise sounds fun but I hope they don't make it too raunchy. Sometimes these "exploring sexuality" plots can go overboard. Still, with Wilde directing and this cast, I'll give it a shot.
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Elena M.
Love seeing more women directors getting opportunities! Olivia's perspective is so refreshing. And pairing her with Penelope's talent? Chef's kiss! 👌
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Trevor R.
Not sure about the concept, but Seth Rogen and Edward Norton in the same movie? That's enough to get me to the theater. Hope Olivia can bring all these big personalities together well.

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