What Happened to The Invite?
“The Invite” is a 2026 American comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde, an English-language remake of the 2020 Spanish film “The People Upstairs.” Starring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, the film explores marital dysfunction and sexual curiosity when a couple invites their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for dinner. It premiered to critical acclaim at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is currently in theatrical release.
Quick Answer
“The Invite” is a critically acclaimed 2026 American comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026. It began a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 26, 2026, with a wider release scheduled for July 10, 2026. The film, starring Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, has garnered positive reviews for its sharp script and strong performances, marking a significant directorial success for Wilde. As of July 7, 2026, it has grossed over $1.4 million worldwide.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Remake of 'The People Upstairs' Announced
A remake of the 2020 Spanish film 'The People Upstairs' (Sentimental) was announced to be in development, produced by David Permut.
Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris Hired to Direct
Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris were attached to direct the remake, with Rashida Jones and Will McCormack set to write the screenplay.
Initial Cast Announced
The film, retitled 'The Invite,' announced Amy Adams, Paul Rudd, and Tessa Thompson as its stars.
Olivia Wilde Takes Over Directing and Stars
Development resumed with Olivia Wilde announced as the director, also joining the cast alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.
Filming Commences in Los Angeles and San Francisco
Filming for 'The Invite' began in Los Angeles and included specific locations in San Francisco, with the movie being shot on 35mm film over 21 days.
Film Dedicated to Diane Keaton
The film was later dedicated to actress Diane Keaton, who passed away on this date.
World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival
“The Invite” premiered at the Eccles Theater as part of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, receiving positive reviews from critics.
A24 Acquires Distribution Rights
Following its successful Sundance premiere, A24 acquired the U.S. distribution rights for the film after a competitive bidding war.
First Soundtrack Single Released
The first track from Devonté Hynes' score, 'Contentious Environment,' was released as a digital single from the soundtrack album.
Limited Theatrical Release Begins
“The Invite” began its limited theatrical release in the United States by A24. The soundtrack was also released digitally on this date.
Current Box Office and Critical Acclaim
As of today, 'The Invite' has grossed over $1.4 million worldwide and continues to receive strong critical praise, holding a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Scheduled Wide Theatrical Release
The film is scheduled for a wider theatrical release across the United States.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
“The Invite” is a 2026 American comedy film that has garnered significant attention for its sharp wit and exploration of modern relationships. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film is an English-language remake of Cesc Gay's 2020 Spanish film, “The People Upstairs” (also known as “Sentimental”), which was itself based on Gay's stage play. The project was initially announced in March 2021 for a remake, with Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris attached to direct in March 2022, and a cast including Amy Adams, Paul Rudd, and Tessa Thompson announced in May 2023.
Development saw a delay until April 2025 when Olivia Wilde took over as director, also casting herself alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. Filming commenced in Los Angeles and included locations in San Francisco in May 2025, with the entire film shot on 35mm film over 21 days. The plot centers on Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde), a married couple whose relationship is strained, as they host their seemingly more adventurous upstairs neighbors, Piña (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton), for a dinner party. The evening quickly devolves into unexpected revelations, forcing Joe and Angela to confront the truths about their own marriage.
The film premiered at the Eccles Theater as part of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews. A bidding war for distribution rights ensued, with A24 ultimately acquiring the U.S. distribution rights. Critics have praised the film for its intelligent script by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the strong ensemble performances, and Wilde's confident direction, marking a critical turnaround after her previous film, “Don't Worry Darling.” It holds a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 158 critics' reviews, with an average rating of 8.1/10, and a 93% audience score.
“The Invite” began a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 26, 2026, and is scheduled for a wide release on July 10, 2026. As of July 7, 2026, the film has grossed $1,427,065 worldwide, with $1,369,500 from the United States and Canada. The film is dedicated to Diane Keaton, who passed away on October 11, 2025. Its themes resonate with audiences, exploring the complexities of long-term relationships, sexual liberation, and societal pressures, making it a relevant and engaging piece of adult cinema in 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Invite made different choices?