Olivia Wilde movies and TV shows reflect the remarkable career of an entertainer who has successfully moved between acting, filmmaking, and producing. Best recognized for her portrayal of Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley in the television drama House, Wilde has built an impressive screen career featuring science-fiction adventures, independent dramas, romantic comedies, and psychological thrillers. In 2026, she remains active in Hollywood, balancing acting opportunities with directing projects that demonstrate her growing influence behind the camera.
Born Olivia Jane Cockburn on March 10, 1984, in New York City, Wilde developed an interest in acting at an early age. Her career began with television appearances before she transitioned into major motion pictures. Over time, she became known for choosing projects that offered different creative challenges rather than limiting herself to one particular genre.
Her journey is especially interesting because she has established two distinct identities in entertainment: a recognizable actress and an ambitious director with a growing body of feature-film work.
How Olivia Wilde Became a Recognizable Television Star
Wilde’s television career provided the foundation for her success in Hollywood. Before becoming a familiar face in major movies, she appeared in several television productions that helped establish her screen presence.
One of her early opportunities came through the drama series Skin, where she played Jewel Goldman. Although the series had a relatively short run, it gave her valuable experience in television storytelling.
She subsequently appeared in The O.C., portraying Alex Kelly during the show’s second season. Her character became involved in the personal lives of several central characters, making her a memorable addition to the popular teen drama.
However, her biggest television breakthrough arrived with House.
House Remains One of Olivia Wilde’s Defining Roles
Olivia Wilde’s Net Worth (2026) – Parade
Between 2007 and 2012, Wilde played Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley in the medical drama House. Her character joined the diagnostic team led by Dr. Gregory House, portrayed by Hugh Laurie.
Thirteen quickly became an important part of the series because of her intelligence, complicated personal history, and distinctive personality. Her storyline also explored Huntington’s disease, adding emotional depth to the character.
The role introduced Wilde to a significantly larger international audience. Even years after the series concluded, Thirteen remains one of the performances most closely associated with her name.
Wilde later appeared in other television projects, including HBO’s Vinyl, where she portrayed Devon Finestra. She has also contributed voice performances and guest appearances to productions such as BoJack Horseman, Portlandia, and The Studio.
Olivia Wilde’s Film Career: From Science Fiction to Independent Cinema
While television made Wilde a familiar name, her film choices have allowed her to explore a much broader range of characters. Her early movie appearances included The Girl Next Door, Alpha Dog, and Year One, followed by several commercially visible productions.
A major turning point arrived with Tron: Legacy in 2010. Wilde played Quorra, a skilled warrior in a futuristic digital universe. The movie introduced her to a large international audience and established her as a convincing performer in action-oriented roles.
She continued appearing in studio productions, including Cowboys & Aliens and In Time in 2011. In the latter, she played Rachel Salas in a dystopian world where time determines how long people can live.
Her 2013 projects demonstrated another side of her abilities. She appeared in Drinking Buddies, an independent relationship drama-comedy, and Rush, a racing film centered on the rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. She also had a supporting appearance in the science-fiction romance Her.
Later projects such as Meadowland, The Lazarus Effect, and A Vigilante gave her opportunities to tackle darker, more emotionally demanding material.
Booksmart Changed the Direction of Her Career
On Set of Booksmart (2019) » ShotOnWhat? Behind the Scenes
Wilde made her feature-film directorial debut with Booksmart in 2019. The comedy follows two academically successful high school seniors who decide to make up for their limited social experiences before graduation.
Starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, the film received strong reviews and helped establish Wilde as a director with a distinctive comedic sensibility.
Its success opened the door to a more ambitious project: Don’t Worry Darling, released in 2022. Wilde directed the psychological thriller and appeared as Bunny, a woman living in an apparently idyllic community. Florence Pugh and Harry Styles led the cast.
Although the film generated considerable public discussion, it also demonstrated Wilde’s interest in combining suspense with questions about identity, control, and social expectations.
She subsequently appeared in Babylon and voiced Lois Lane in the animated superhero film DC League of Super-Pets, continuing to work across different entertainment formats.
The Invite and I Want Your Sex Lead Her 2026 Screen Work
A24 acquires Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ in a major deal out of Sundance – Los Angeles Times
Two of Wilde’s most prominent 2026 releases have given audiences different perspectives on her work.
In The Invite, she plays Angela and also serves as director. The comedy-drama features Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. Its story revolves around a couple whose strained relationship takes an unexpected turn when they host their upstairs neighbors for dinner.
The confined setting places the characters’ personal tensions at the center of the narrative. The film also highlights Wilde’s continued interest in stories that blend uncomfortable situations with humor.
Her other major 2026 acting project, I Want Your Sex, takes a more provocative approach. Directed by Gregg Araki, the film stars Wilde as Erika Tracy, an artist who draws a younger man into a complicated relationship involving desire, power, and obsession.
Cooper Hoffman plays Elliot, whose professional opportunity develops into an increasingly unpredictable personal experience.
Both films were released in 2026, reinforcing Wilde’s return to substantial on-screen roles while she continues to develop projects as a filmmaker.
Another title attracting attention is Behemoth!, a drama featuring Pedro Pascal and Wilde in an ensemble cast. The film is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release in December 2026, making it one of the next major opportunities for audiences to see her on screen.
What Olivia Wilde Is Working on Next
Wilde’s future plans include directing Naughty, a holiday comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage. Scheduled for a theatrical release on November 5, 2027, the film follows a mother who attempts to involve Santa Claus in a custody dispute.
The project offers Wilde an opportunity to return to comedy following Booksmart and The Invite. Its combination of an unusual premise and an established cast makes it one of her notable announced projects.
She has also been associated with the planned comic-book adaptation Avengelyne. However, its production and release details remain subject to change, and no confirmed theatrical date should be assumed.
For audiences tracking Olivia Wilde movies and TV shows, her career now extends well beyond the roles that first brought her recognition. Her latest projects reflect a performer who continues to act while pursuing increasingly ambitious opportunities as a director.
Why Olivia Wilde’s Career Continues to Attract Attention
Wilde’s career stands out because she has continued to change her professional focus without abandoning acting. Her television work established her popularity, her film performances demonstrated her range, and her directing projects gave her greater creative control.
From the medical drama House to the science-fiction spectacle of Tron: Legacy and the comedy of Booksmart, her body of work reaches audiences with different interests.
Her 2026 releases add another chapter to that progression. With The Invite showcasing her dual role as director and actor, I Want Your Sex offering a prominent performance, and Behemoth! approaching its theatrical debut, Wilde remains an active presence in contemporary Hollywood.