Olivia Wilde has taken a light-hearted approach to the harsh online reactions about her appearance during a recent red carpet interview. The acclaimed director and actress, known for her work on *Don’t Worry Darling*, found herself at the centre of ridicule after a video clip from the San Francisco International Film Festival circulated, drawing unflattering comparisons to Gollum from *The Lord of the Rings*. In a playful Instagram Story, she addressed the commentary with both humour and honesty.
A Viral Moment at the Film Festival
During an interview with SFGate on April 24, Wilde was promoting her latest film, *The Invite*, when viewers noticed her uncharacteristically dramatic look. Critics on social media were quick to point out her appearance, describing her as looking “bug-eyed” and “skeletal,” with some drawing direct comparisons to the infamous character from Peter Jackson’s fantasy epic.
In her Instagram response, Wilde shared a screenshot of the interview alongside an image of Gollum. With her brother Charlie Cockburn providing comedic commentary in the background, she joked, “Olivia Wilde, do you care to address recent rumors that you’re a resurrected corpse?” Wilde laughed off the comments, clarifying that the unflattering image was a result of a “fish-eye lens” and that it certainly wasn’t her “best-ever look.”
The Film and Its Context
*The Invite* features an ensemble cast including Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, and is adapted from the 2020 Spanish film *The People Upstairs*. The narrative pivots around a couple, Angela and Joe—played by Wilde and Rogen—who invite their upstairs neighbours over for dinner, leading to unexpected revelations and tensions.
Wilde expressed her admiration for San Francisco during her red carpet appearance, noting, “It’s such an incredible cultural melting pot, and you can feel that. It sets the tone for our film.” She elaborated on her collaborative dynamic with Rogen, stating, “Seth and I had worked together before. We knew we had this weird ability to harmonise with each other… We loved to argue and scream in each other’s faces,” showcasing the playful spirit that permeated their collaboration.
A Light-Hearted Response
Wilde’s Instagram post concluded with a cheeky remark: “Leave it to your little brother to give you the maximum amount of s***.” Her ability to laugh off the scrutiny highlights a
