At a Glance
- Penélope Cruz will miss the world premiere of The Invite at the January 24, 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
- The film marks Olivia Wilde’s first directorial effort since 2022 and Cruz’s first movie since 2023.
- Cruz is filming a new Spanish project that clashes with travel to Utah.
- Why it matters: Fans of the star-packed cast will see the movie without one of its leading performers, and the scheduling clash highlights the challenges of international film production.
The premiere of The Invite at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival is set to showcase a star-heavy ensemble, but Penélope Cruz will not be there. The 51-year-old actress is currently shooting a new project in Spain, and the timing of the Utah-based festival made attendance impossible. The film, directed by Olivia Wilde, also returns Wilde to the director’s chair after her 2022 thriller Don’t Worry Darling.
Sundance and the Invite
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival runs from January 18 to February 1, with The Invite debuting on January 24. The movie follows two couples living in the same building-Wilde and Seth Rogen on one side, Cruz and Edward Norton on the other-who confront long-tenured grievances, insecurities, codependencies, failed aspirations, and sexual FOMO during a dinner.
Variety described the film as a “provocative date night comedy” loosely based on the 2020 Spanish film Sentimental. The screenplay was written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, who previously co-wrote Toy Story 4.
Penélope Cruz’s Schedule
Cruz’s absence from the festival was confirmed by a source who told News Of Los Angeles that the actress was “dying to go” to Sundance but could not due to her current shoot in Spain. The source added that travel logistics made the timing unworkable.
Cruz’s next projects include a role in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming Frankenstein spinoff The Bride! and a Spanish film titled La bola negra, both slated for release in 2026.
Olivia Wilde’s Directorial Debut
Wilde first announced the completion of The Invite on Instagram in May, writing that the film had been shot for 23 days “with some of the greatest humans ever made.” She added, “I don’t yet have the words to say how meaningful this experience has been. So for now just want to say THANK YOU to every brilliant, kind, hilarious person who made this production happen. I can’t wait to show the world what we all made together.”
In December, Wilde posted again, expressing excitement that the film had been invited to premiere at Sundance. She wrote, “The cast and crew that made this movie pulled off something special and I am very excited to share it with everyone in the mountains that week.”
Cast and Crew
| Actor | Role | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Penélope Cruz | Lead | Ferrari (2023) |
| Olivia Wilde | Director & Lead | Don’t Worry Darling (2022) |
| Seth Rogen | Co-star | The Studio (Apple TV series) |
| Edward Norton | Co-star | The Invite |
The film’s ensemble brings together actors who have previously collaborated in various capacities, creating a dynamic on-screen chemistry that critics anticipate.
Production Highlights
- Filming Duration: 23 days
- Location: Primarily in Spain for Cruz’s current project
- Release Schedule: The Invite premieres on January 24, 2026 at Sundance
- Future Projects: Cruz’s The Bride! and La bola negra; Wilde’s I Want Your Sex also premieres at Sundance
The production team worked intensively to meet the festival’s timeline, coordinating with the Sundance Institute to secure screening slots.
Future Projects and Festival Context
While The Invite will be showcased at Sundance, Wilde also has another film, I Want Your Sex, debuting over the same weekend. This marks Wilde’s first acting gig since a cameo as herself on Rogen’s Apple TV comedy series The Studio.
The 2026 festival will feature a mix of indie and mainstream titles, with The Invite positioned as a notable addition due to its high-profile cast and fresh directorial vision.
Key Takeaways
- Penélope Cruz will miss the world premiere of The Invite at Sundance because of a conflicting shoot in Spain.
- The film is Olivia Wilde’s return to directing after 2022 and Cruz’s first movie since 2023.
- Both actors have multiple projects slated for 2026, indicating a busy year ahead.
- The Invite promises a blend of comedy and drama, with a screenplay by Jones and McCormack.
- The festival’s schedule, running from January 18 to February 1, sets a tight timeline for production teams.
Fans of the cast can still enjoy The Invite when it hits theaters later in 2026, but the live festival experience will be missed by one of its key stars.
About the Source
The information about Cruz’s absence comes from a source who confirmed her unavailability to News Of Los Angeles. No official statements from Cruz’s representatives were released at the time.
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