Olivia Wilde Reclaims Her Career with 'The Invite' and 'I Want Your Sex'
Olivia Wilde has returned to the spotlight with a double feature, directing and starring in the comedy 'The Invite' and acting in Gregg Araki's 'I Want Your Sex.' Both films premiered at Sundance in January 2026 and hit theaters in July, marking a creative rebirth for Wilde after a period of public scrutiny and personal turmoil. She credits her time away from the industry with allowing her to shed self-consciousness and embrace vulnerability, describing her current mindset as one of 'lack of f-cks given.'
Key points
- Wilde directed and co-starred in 'The Invite,' a remake of the 2020 Spanish film 'The People Upstairs,' featuring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.
- She also starred in Gregg Araki's 'I Want Your Sex' alongside Cooper Hoffman, a film centered on a BDSM relationship between a performance artist and her assistant.
- Both films premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and were released in US theaters in July 2026.
- Wilde describes her hiatus as a necessary period to 'turn the soil over,' allowing her to rejuvenate her creative energy and approach acting with new vulnerability.
- She initially resisted acting in 'The Invite' but agreed to play the lead role after Rogen and Norton convinced her it was the best part for her career.
Background
Wilde's return follows a challenging period involving a messy divorce, public judgment regarding her relationship with Harry Styles, and behind-the-scenes issues on her previous feature 'Don't Worry Darling.' Her recent projects build on earlier coverage of 'I Want Your Sex,' which was noted for its bold exploration of power dynamics and queer themes, as well as Cooper Hoffman's decision to take on provocative roles to define his own path in the industry.
Why it matters
Wilde's successful comeback demonstrates how a strategic hiatus can lead to artistic renewal, allowing her to overcome past self-consciousness and deliver what critics and audiences are calling the best work of her career. Her ability to direct and star in a high-profile comedy while also taking on a provocative role in an indie film highlights her versatility and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
What to watch
Wilde is currently preparing her next film in London, which she describes as a comedy that reflects her current stage in life. She has not released specific details about the project but indicated that it will continue her trajectory of exploring vulnerability and humor in her work.
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