Universal fast-tracks Aniston and Dinklage for Olivia Wilde comedy Naughty
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Universal Pictures has greenlit the holiday comedy "Naughty" from director Olivia Wilde, confirming Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage in the lead roles and setting a release date of 5 November 2027. According to sources cited by Deadline, the studio moved swiftly to secure Wilde, Aniston and Dinklage's commitment before they could be drawn to other projects, making this a fast-tracked follow-up to Wilde's acclaimed comedy "The Invite".
The film, written by Jimmy Warden from a spec Universal acquired back in 2023, follows Mallory (Aniston), who must locate Santa Claus (Dinklage) and persuade him to testify at her divorce hearing in order to win custody of her son. LuckyChap is producing alongside Wilde and Warden, with Universal executives Sara Scott and Jacqueline Garell overseeing the project. The deal follows the strong critical and commercial reception of "The Invite", which holds a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and has taken in the region of $36 million worldwide to date.
- Universal confirms "Naughty", starring Aniston and Dinklage, for 5 November 2027
- Olivia Wilde directs; fast-tracked after acclaimed film "The Invite"
- Aniston plays a mother seeking Santa's testimony in a custody battle
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Universal has moved to make "Naughty", a holiday comedy from director Olivia Wilde, with Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage in the lead roles. The film comes from a script by Jimmy Warden, which Universal bought back in 2023, and centres on a woman who has to find Santa Claus and get him to speak up for her at her divorce hearing. It is due for release on 5 November 2027.
Wilde is best known to audiences for her acting work, but has increasingly built a career as a director; Aniston remains one of Hollywood's most recognisable comic actors thanks to "Friends" and films such as "We're The Millers", while Dinklage is widely known from "Game of Thrones" and a range of film roles. LuckyChap, the production company co-founded by Margot Robbie, is producing alongside Wilde and Warden.
This project follows on from Wilde's previous film "The Invite", which was well received by critics and has performed solidly at the box office. The speed with which Universal has committed to "Naughty" reflects the studio's wish to keep working with Wilde, Aniston and Dinklage while they are available, rather than risk them signing on to other projects elsewhere.
More coverage
- Variety — Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage to Star in Olivia Wilde’s Santa Claus Comedy ‘Naughty’
- The Hollywood Reporter — Jennifer Aniston, Peter Dinklage to Star in Olivia Wilde’s Santa Movie ‘Naughty,’ Set for 2027 Release
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Originally published by Deadline as “Jennifer Aniston And Peter Dinklage To Star In Olivia Wilde’s ‘Invite’ Follow-Up ‘Naughty’ From Universal & LuckyChap As Film Lands November 2027 Release Date”.