‘The Housemaid’ Success Fuels the Sequel with Sydney Sweeney and Paul Feig
Hollywood lives for thrillers, and when they make the money, a sequel is pretty much a sure thing. That’s certainly what’s going on with The Housemaid, the psychological thriller that has become one the most unexpected hits of the 2025-2026 holiday season. After a global gross of $135 million in just over two weeks, Lionsgate has swiftly given the green light for a sequel entitled ‘The Housemaid’s Secret.’
The Housemaid opened globally on December 19, 2025, with no effort in diverting viewers into its intricate nest of lies, scandal, and power. Sydney Sweeney plays Millie Calloway, a housemaid with a secretive past, and Amanda Seyfried is frightening as the unstable and unpredictable Nina Winchester.
Based on the best selling novel by Freida McFadden, the movie is a slick, page turning thriller. With Paul Feig at the helm, bringing the biting suspense of A Simple Favor to bear on his signature dark-comedy style—the narrative confidently balances the psychological suspense with the wicked humor.
The Numbers Tell an Impressive Story
With a modest $35 million production budget, The Housemaid has grossed $78 million domestically and $57 million internationally. This is a big career win for Sydney Sweeney, after her boxing biopic Christy tanked, making a mere $1.9 million worldwide. The run confirms that Sweeney remains a viable box office draw, after her earlier hit ‘Anyone But You’ which grossed around $220 million.
What Makes The Housemaid Work so Well
It’s dedication to entertaining audiences without being too earnest. Amanda Seyfried’s “force of nature” performance has been praised by critics, many saluting her that she can be both vulnerable and completely unhinged. The suspense is high, and the moments of dark humor are injected so that under Paul Feig’s direction the film is never too heavy. The film has come to strongly connect with the audiences (perhaps right now), which is currently sitting at a 92% “want to see” score.
When Will The Housemaid’s Secret Production Begins
The announcement for the sequel followed closely behind, on January 6, 2026, with Lionsgate announcing ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ will start filming in late 2026. From the second novel in McFadden’s trilogy, the sequel will bring Paul Feig back to direct, Sydney Sweeney is lined up as executive producer and is hoping to reprise her role as Millie.
Michele Morrone, who played the Italian groundskeeper Enzo in the first film, will also have a return engagement. Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine will once again bring McFadden’s novel to the screen.
Lionsgate stands to benefit hugely from this franchise. The original series of three novels-based books along with a short story spinoff, which has plenty of source material for more movies. As Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson said —
Audiences have “responded powerfully” to the big screen experience and “want to know what happens next.”
Part psychological thriller, part soap opera, part baroque horror, The Housemaid has shown that mid-market thrillers can still draw big numbers if they’re made with style and conviction. Fans shouldn’t have to wait too long to see what dark secrets Millie uncovers next.
Conclusion
The Housemaid is a sharp reminder that well-crafted, mid-level thrillers continue to pack theatrical punch. Stellar performances, a twisted but accessible narrative and Paul Feig’s sure hand in managing tone helped turn what should have been an unlikely release into a bona fide holiday hit.
With The Housemaid’s Secret, the consistent box office results, audience interest, and a wellspring of untapped source material, seems less like a gamble, and more like a next chapter foretold. If the follow-up maintains that balance of tension, dark comedy and character-driven drama, Lionsgate could be looking at a rare, enduring psychological thriller franchise.
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