Olivia Wilde Explains Why She Doesn't Make Movies for People to Love Them & Why She's Still Acting

Olivia Wilde is opening up about the types of movies she wants to make and why she’s continuing to act during her transition to directing.

The 40-year-old actress and filmmaker spoke on a panel during the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival on Sunday (December 8) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“I only choose things that are more challenging than the last thing I did. I feel bored otherwise,” Olivia said (via THR).

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Olivia told the crowd that she isn’t making movies so that people love them.

“I don’t make movies so people love them. I want people to enjoy them. But I think it’s a losing game if you’re trying to make everybody’s favorite movie,” she said. “Success is about being connected to creating something that is true to the idea that you have as an authentic extension of you, not about whether people approve of it.”

Olivia also explained why she’s still working as an actress.

She said, “For me acting is like espionage, because I get to see another director’s set. And most directors never get to see other directors directing, ever. I get to watch people I really respect direct.”

FYI: Olivia is wearing a Sportmax suit.