Olivia Wilde Gushes Over Casting Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage in New ‘Naughty’ Movie
Oliva Wilde is enjoying the success of her latest film, “The Invite,” which many have called an Oscar contender. Now, weeks after its release, her next movie, “Naughty,” is set to star Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage. Recently, she opened up about why both actors were perfect for the upcoming unorthodox movie, which has been in the works since 2023.
Wilde attended the Los Angeles premiere of the upcoming erotic thriller “I Want Your Sex” on July 28. While on the red carpet, the “Invite” director spoke to Variety, with the reporter asking about “Naughty,” which will feature Dinklage as Santa Claus. She began by discussing the movie’s history, saying, “That film has been in the works for several years,” before noting that Jimmy Warden wrote the script.
She continued, “I read that script, and I laughed so hard, and I became obsessed with the idea of Peter Dinklage playing Santa Claus.” When asked how she convinced the “Game of Thrones” alum to take on the role, Wilde said, “He’s the greatest guy, and I’m a big fan of his, and we went and had a coffee in Brooklyn, and I pitched it to him, and he was so immediately excited and supportive.”
After that, the “Booksmart” director stated that Dinklage was the only person she had in mind for the role. She then called the movie “really ambitious” and “really funny.”
The Filmmaker Had High Praise For Jennifer Aniston
3Wilde continued her Variety interview by gushing about the casting of Aniston in the upcoming movie. According to her, “Of course, Jen was our dream girl, but I didn’t think I’d get her.” She was then asked why she believed the “Friends” alum would turn down the role in “Naughty.”
Wilde responded, “I think that, you know, to be able to direct one of our greatest comedians and actresses, someone who I grew up learning from, looking up to, laughing with, I just never imagined it would come true.”
She went on, “It’s like the name you have up on the board, but we won’t get her, and then she read it, and then she was so immediately into it and loved it.” Wilde then reiterated that it’s “a really ambitious movie,” before saying, “it’s an original comedy, and it’s not one that is an obvious greenlight because it’s bold.”
In the end, Wilde shared that she “fought like hell” to get the movie made.
‘Naughty’ Has Been In The Works For Years Now
3Following the success of “Don’t Worry Darling,” it was announced in December 2023 that Wilde was set to direct a new movie with backing from Margot Robbie‘s LuckyChap production company. The movie “Naughty” was then described as “Bridesmaids” if it took place in the North Pole.
The movie follows Mallory, who we now know will be played by Aniston, as she must find Santa Claus, played by Dinklage, to testify at her divorce hearing to gain custody of her child. At the time, there was no studio attached. However, with the casting of Aniston and Dinklage came news that Universal had picked up the movie and set it for a November 5, 2027 theatrical release.
Olivia Wilde Stars In ‘I Want Your Sex’
Though her career as a director is heating up, Wilde remains a force on the screen, both in films she directs and those helmed by others. Her newest movie, “I Want Your Sex,” finds her starring in Gregg Araki‘s new erotic thriller, set to be released on July 31, going head-to-head with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
So far, following the LA Premiere of the movie, it has received solid reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently has an 89% positive rating based on 61 reviews. “I Want Your Sex” also stars Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs, and Charlie XCX.
‘The Invite’ Became The Year’s Highest Rated Comedy
A24 opened Wilde’s “The Invite” in wide release on July 10, following its premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and a limited release in June. According to Deadline, the comedy debuted at number six in wide release, earning over $5.7 million and bringing its then-total to $7.38 million.
Per BoxOfficeMojo, to date, “The Invite” has made over $32 million, including its international box office. Regarding reviews, the film holds an impressive 97% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Wilde stars in the movie alongside Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton.