Olivia Wilde Says Studios 'Bribe' Filmmakers to Skip Theatrical Release
At Locarno, Wilde recounts fighting to give 'The Invite' a cinema run instead of a streaming-only debut.
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Summary, timeline and people extracted by Claude from 9 items across 3 sources · 8h ago. Quotes are verbatim.
Olivia Wilde brought her comedy 'The Invite' to the Locarno Film Festival, where she said studios try to 'bribe' filmmakers into forgoing theatrical releases in favor of streaming, and that she pushed to get the film shown in cinemas. The film, starring Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, premiered on Locarno's Piazza Grande screen and has reportedly become a surprise summer box-office hit.
- Olivia Wilde says she had to fight her financier to secure a theatrical release for 'The Invite', claiming studios otherwise 'bribe' filmmakers to skip cinemas.
- The film premiered in Europe at Locarno's Piazza Grande on one of the world's largest cinema screens.
- 'The Invite' stars Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton and is a remake of the Spanish film 'Sentimental'.
- Variety reports the film has become a 'rare hit summer comedy' and received a favorable review from critic Owen Gleiberman.
How it unfolded
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Analysis Variety recaps Locarno reception and reviews
Variety's follow-up detailed Wilde calling the project the 'most incredible' experience of her career, cited Owen Gleiberman's favorable review, and noted the film's box-office success.
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Report Trade outlets cover bribe comments
The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, A.V. Club and Variety published pieces on Wilde's remarks about studios pressuring against theatrical releases.
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Reaction Story circulates on Reddit
A Reddit user shared the Hollywood Reporter article about Wilde's comments, generating early online engagement.
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Event Wilde holds Locarno press conference
Ahead of the premiere, Wilde told press she fought her financier to secure a theatrical release for 'The Invite', saying studios otherwise 'bribe' filmmakers to skip it.
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Event European premiere at Piazza Grande
'The Invite' screened as its European premiere on one of the world's largest cinema screens at Locarno's Piazza Grande, with Wilde addressing the audience directly.
What people are saying verbatim
“They bribe you to not take theatrical.”
Olivia Wilde, Director/actor · The Hollywood Reporter · Aug 7
“If you don’t fight for it, they ‘bribe’ you to not take theatrical. But we were really lucky that our financier gave me the opportunity to make this decision, which is something I don’t take lightly.”
Olivia Wilde, Director/actor · Variety · Aug 7
“I’m in shock. This is overwhelming and exciting.”
Olivia Wilde, Director/actor · Variety · Aug 7
“This film is the most incredible experience of my life because it was the most collaborative project.”
Olivia Wilde, Director/actor · Variety · Aug 8
“bravura dinner-party dramedy that’s like ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ redone as vintage Woody Allen.”
Owen Gleiberman, Film critic · Variety · Aug 8