Actress and director Olivia Wilde has recounted a surprising moment on the set of her upcoming film, The Invite, where co-star Penélope Cruz spontaneously improvised a kiss with her. Wilde, who also stars in the film, described the unexpected action as leaving her momentarily stunned, causing her mind to go blank.

An Unscripted On-Screen Moment

Wilde, 42, revealed the incident during an appearance on Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast. She explained that during the filming of a scene, Cruz unexpectedly kissed her. The actress confessed that the spontaneous act caught her completely off guard. “I was so shocked when she did it, that I actually turned my head and looked directly into the lens,” Wilde shared. “And then through my camera operator, who said ‘Olivia,’ and I said, ‘Namaste!’ for some reason.”

Describing her reaction further, Wilde admitted, “Everyone was like, what, and I was like, I don’t know, my mind went blank because I was so struck by this moment. I lost control. I was so madly in love with it.” This improvisational turn by Cruz added an unplanned layer to the scene, highlighting the dynamic between the actors.

Directing and Starring in ‘The Invite’

The Invite centers on two couples who gather for a dinner party, an event that ultimately spirals into chaos. The film, which also features Seth Rogen and Edward Norton, has garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers describing it as “perversely funny” and a “sophisticated farce.” Wilde not only stars in the movie but also directs it, a role she initially hesitated to take on as an actor.

Wilde confessed that her initial intention was solely to direct the film. “I didn’t want to star in it. I didn’t want to be in it… I just wanted to nail the direction,” she stated. However, her co-stars, including Edward Norton, Seth Rogen, and Penélope Cruz, encouraged her to take on an acting role as well. “The cast, Edward and Seth and Penelope, kept saying… ‘We think you should do it.’ I was so struck because it just hadn’t occurred to me.”

Wilde reflected on her confidence in her directorial abilities compared to her acting. “I weirdly had, like, I think imposter syndrome about acting in it, but for some reason not about directing. I don’t know, I think at this point I feel like a much better director than actor.”

Thematic Depth of the Film

Beyond the surface narrative of a dinner party gone awry, Wilde elaborated on the deeper themes explored in The Invite. “So essentially it’s about on the surface what seems like an unhappy couple and a happy couple colliding for one night to have a dinner party that goes kind of off the rails and leads to unforeseen conclusions for everyone,” she explained.

She continued, “What it really is, is a story about relationships that tries to figure out why they work or why they’re not working, and if it potentially has something to do with how little we communicate, particularly about sex.” This focus on relational dynamics and communication, especially concerning intimacy, forms the core of the film’s message.

Origins and Previous Work

The film is inspired by a Spanish movie titled The People Upstairs, which itself was based on a play by the same writer-director. This marks Wilde’s third directorial project, following her successes with Booksmart in 2019 and the critically discussed Don’t Worry Darling in 2022.

Addressing Past Rumors

During the promotion of The Invite, Wilde also addressed persistent rumors that surrounded her previous film, Don’t Worry Darling, and its star, Florence Pugh. Speculation at the time suggested a feud between Wilde and Pugh, potentially stemming from Wilde’s relationship with Harry Styles, who also starred in Don’t Worry Darling.

Wilde firmly denied claims of on-set conflict, specifically refuting reports of a “screaming match” with Pugh. “I have never had a screaming match on my set. I was never not available on set. I wanted to be like, ‘None of this is true,'” she stated, expressing frustration with the unfounded rumors. These narratives not only impacted the film’s release but also followed Wilde and Styles throughout their relationship.

Wilde revealed that she was advised by the studio and other parties not to comment on the speculation during the rollout of Don’t Worry Darling, a directive she followed but now regrets. “I was told, ‘Don’t say a f**king word. Just go out there and smile,'” she recalled, shaking her head. “I resent that, but it taught me it’s not the way I want to handle things.” This experience has apparently influenced her approach to managing public narratives surrounding her work.

Conclusion

Olivia Wilde’s candid sharing about Penélope Cruz’s improvisational kiss in The Invite offers a glimpse into the creative process and the unexpected moments that can arise on set. Her reflections also touch upon her dual role as director and actor in the film, her hesitations, and the underlying thematic concerns of relationships and communication that drive the narrative. Furthermore, her comments on past controversies highlight a desire for more direct and honest engagement with the public regarding her professional endeavors.