Olivia Wilde Says Streamers' Lucrative Deals Are 'Bribes' to Skip Cinema Release'

Wilde, 42, directed and starred in The Invite, the acclaimed comedy about a couple navigating difficulties in their marriage, which are made all the more clear when they invite their glamorous neighbours around for an impromptu dinner party. She revealed how she fought for the movie, which also stars Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, to be screened in cinemas rather than going straight to a streaming platform. It is a decision that has paid off, with The Invite going on to pass the $40 million (almost £30 million) mark at the box office globally, holding its own against much bigger budget blockbusters such as The Odyssey and the latest Spider-Man movie.

'They bribe you to not take theatrical [release], Wilde told the press at the Locarno Film Festival. 'We have to fight for it. It's a bribe, she added.

'They pay you more. Not the filmmaker, no.