Actor and director Olivia Wilde addressed the state of the film industry during a press conference at the 2026 Locarno Film Festival. Ahead of her film The Invite screening in the Piazza Grande, Wilde explained that creators often face financial pressure to bypass theatrical releases in favor of streaming services. She described these streaming offers as a bribe, noting that financiers frequently receive higher payouts for choosing direct-to-streaming distribution.
Wilde clarified that while the temptation for a quick payout is high, filmmakers retain the option to prioritize the theatrical experience if their partners support that decision. She expressed gratitude toward her financiers and A24 for backing a global theatrical rollout for The Invite. The director emphasized that comedy serves as a genre that relies on a communal audience reaction to succeed, making the cinema environment critical for the intended impact.
Beyond distribution logistics, Wilde discussed the collaborative process behind The Invite, which she co-wrote and stars in alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. She described the production as a masterclass in teamwork, comparing the acting dynamic to a jazz quartet. The film examines the complexities of long-term relationships and the experimental nature of living together.
The sold-out screening in Locarno highlights continued demand for large-scale outdoor cinema experiences. For Wilde, the decision to push for a theatrical release was about preserving the chemical reaction that occurs when a crowd watches a film together in a public space.