Olivia Wilde, 41, Gets Up Close and Personal in Casual Sundance Shoot

Olivia Wilde is having a busy and bold year at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. She was in Park City for more than one reason, and people were talking. Along with premiering her new movie, she also posed for a striking photo shoot for Interview Magazine. Photographer Myles Pettengill captured her outside on the snowy streets instead of inside a studio. The photos feel natural and unfiltered, matching the mood of the festival.

Wilde is at Sundance for the world premiere of her third film as a director, The Invite. The relationship comedy quickly became one of the hottest titles at the festival. According to festival reports, several studios fought for it before A24 secured the distribution rights.

The Invite tells the story of a married couple, played by Wilde and Seth Rogen, whose quiet night turns into chaos during a dinner with their neighbors. Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton play the couple upstairs who make a shocking offer that changes everything. Speaking during a press event at Sundance, Wilde said, I wanted to explore the messy, hilarious, and sometimes painful reality of long-term commitment.

Olivia Wilde photographed by Myles Pettengill for Interview Magazine at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. pic.twitter.com/sSen0LNqT6

— Best Of Olivia Wilde (@ArchiveWilde) March 3, 2026

She also shared details about how the film was made. It was shot on 35mm film, and many scenes were filmed in order to help the actors feel the rising tension naturally. After the first screening, Wilde told reporters, Working with this group felt like a high-wire act every single day.

Wilde is not only directing this year. She is also starring in Gregg Araki’s new thriller, I Want Your Sex. In that film, she plays an intense artist who becomes involved with a younger muse in a story about obsession and control. The role brings her back to the edgy acting projects that first made her known in independent cinema.

Her schedule does not slow down after Sundance. She is attached to direct a big-screen version of the comic book Avengelyne, which is rumored to star Margot Robbie. She also appeared in the Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio, working again with Seth Rogen.

Even with so much going on, Wilde seems excited. During an interview at the festival, she joked about her children’s curiosity, saying, They want to know every detail of the story before I even start shooting.

This new chapter in her career feels confident and focused. She seems comfortable taking risks both on screen and behind the camera. What do you think about her move toward personal and relationship-driven stories? Share your thoughts in the comments.