Just weeks after the release of Sydney Sweeney’s psychological thriller The Housemaid, Lionsgate has greenlit a sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, adapting the second book in Freida McFadden’s bestselling trilogy. The original film grossed over $133 million worldwide, making it one of the holiday season’s surprise hits. Sweeney is set to reprise her role as Millie Calloway, with Paul Feig returning as director and Sweeney also serving as executive producer. Fans can expect more suspense, twists, and drama as Millie navigates a new web of secrets and danger.
The Housemaid: A Surprise Holiday Blockbuster
Released on December 19, 2025, The Housemaid immediately captured audiences with its tense storytelling and memorable performances. Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie Calloway, a young woman caught in a psychological thriller filled with twists and unexpected turns. The film, directed by Paul Feig, features a strong ensemble cast including Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone.
Made on a modest budget of $35 million, the movie quickly proved its box office potential, grossing over $133 million worldwide in just 17 days. With a domestic gross exceeding $75 million, the film demonstrated that psychological thrillers could compete with big-budget holiday releases when executed with skill and star power.
For Sweeney, the success marked a major milestone after her previous film Christy underperformed at the box office. The Housemaid solidified her status as a leading actress capable of carrying a high-stakes theatrical release.
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The Sequel: The Housemaid’s Secret
In response to the film’s massive success, Lionsgate officially greenlit a sequel titled The Housemaid’s Secret. The sequel will adapt the second book in Freida McFadden’s trilogy, continuing Millie Calloway’s story as she becomes entangled with a new family harboring dark secrets.
Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, emphasized that audience enthusiasm and strong social media engagement made moving forward with a sequel an easy decision. The studio is confident that fans are eager to follow Millie’s journey and explore the world introduced in the first film.
Plot Expectations for The Housemaid’s Secret
While exact plot details remain under wraps, the sequel is expected to expand on the first film’s suspenseful tone and character-driven drama. Millie Calloway, once again navigating a web of mystery, danger, and intrigue, will encounter a new household full of hidden agendas and threats.
The source material promises psychological twists, high-stakes drama, and a deeper exploration of Millie’s character. Fans of the first film can anticipate elevated tension and fresh challenges that test both her intelligence and resilience.
Rebecca Sonnenshine, who wrote the screenplay for the original film, is expected to return, ensuring narrative continuity and maintaining the strong character development that helped make the first movie a hit.
Sydney Sweeney and Paul Feig Return
The announcement confirms that Sydney Sweeney will reprise her role as Millie Calloway and also serve as executive producer, allowing her to influence creative decisions. Her dual role demonstrates her growing clout in Hollywood and dedication to shaping the project beyond her on-screen performance.
Paul Feig, director of the original film. It is expected to return to helm the sequel. Known for blending tension, dark humor, and character depth, Feig’s direction helped The Housemaid stand out. His return signals that the sequel will maintain the tone, style, and psychological complexity that made the original a critical and commercial success.
Returning Cast and Possible Cameos
While Sydney Sweeney’s involvement is confirmed. Other original cast members may reprise their roles. Michele Morrone is expected to return as Enzo, and Amanda Seyfried has hinted at a possible cameo as Nina Winchester. These returns will provide continuity while allowing new characters and storylines to emerge, keeping the narrative fresh for audiences.
The sequel promises to balance familiarity with innovation, ensuring that fans of the first film feel rewarded while new viewers can still enjoy the suspenseful story.
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Why the Sequel Was Fast-Tracked
Several factors contributed to the rapid greenlighting of The Housemaid’s Secret:
- Box Office Performance – The original film’s $133 million worldwide gross made a sequel financially appealing.
- Preexisting Source Material – McFadden’s trilogy provides a clear roadmap for continuing the story.
- Audience Engagement – Fans on social media expressed immediate interest in Millie’s next chapter, highlighting a built-in audience.
- Franchise Potential – Lionsgate sees an opportunity to develop a sustainable thriller franchise, possibly extending beyond theatrical releases.
This combination of commercial success, strong source material, and fan enthusiasm made the decision to proceed with the sequel both strategic and timely.
Production Timeline and Expectations
Production for The Housemaid’s Secret is expected to begin in late 2026. While no official release date has been announced, fans can anticipate a similar marketing approach to the first film, with teasers and promotional content building anticipation well before the theatrical debut.
Given the original’s success, the sequel is likely to maintain high production values, including suspenseful set design, sharp cinematography, and the kind of intricate plotting that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Success and Impact on Sweeney’s Career
The Housemaid represents a pivotal moment for Sydney Sweeney. Following her acclaimed work in Euphoria and other film projects, this thriller demonstrates her versatility and box office appeal. Her dual role as lead actress and executive producer highlights her growing influence in Hollywood.
The franchise potential created by this sequel allows Sweeney to cement her status as a major leading actress in psychological thrillers while expanding her creative portfolio behind the camera.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the Sequel
The trilogy’s third book, The Housemaid Is Watching, leaves open the possibility for further sequels or spin-offs. Lionsgate may explore additional adaptations, creating a multi-film franchise that could include streaming content or expanded universe elements, continuing Millie Calloway’s story for years to come.
If The Housemaid’s Secret performs as well as the original, the franchise could become a major player in the psychological thriller genre, similar to other successful book-to-film adaptations.
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FAQs
The Housemaid release date?
The Housemaid premiered in the United States on December 19, 2025.
How much did it earn?
The film grossed over $133 million worldwide in just 17 days.
What is the sequel called?
The sequel is titled The Housemaid’s Secret, based on the second book in Freida McFadden’s trilogy.
Will Sydney Sweeney return?
Yes. Sweeney will reprise her role as Millie and also serve as an executive producer.
Who is directing the sequel?
Paul Feig is the director of the original film.
When will production begin?
In late 2026.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.