Paul Feig and Sydney Sweeney returning for ‘The Housemaid’ sequel after $133m box office run

Paul Feig and Sydney Sweeney are set to reunite for a sequel to The Housemaid, following the psychological thriller’s breakout box office performance.

Lionsgate has greenlit the follow-up, titled The Housemaid’s Secret, after the film grossed $133 million worldwide in just over two weeks, far exceeding expectations for a mid-budget thriller.

The sequel will adapt the second novel in Freida McFadden’s best-selling trilogy and is expected to enter production later this year, with Feig returning to direct and Sweeney reprising her lead role.

Why the sequel was fast-tracked

The Housemaid earned $75.7 million in North America against a reported $35 million budget, with momentum driven by sustained word-of-mouth rather than a front-loaded opening.

Sweeney stars as Millie, a woman attempting to escape her past after taking a live-in housemaid job with a wealthy couple hiding dangerous secrets. Michele Morrone, who plays groundskeeper Enzo, is also expected to return.

The success also marks a notable shift for Feig, whose career has largely been associated with comedy prior to the film’s darker psychological tone.

Lionsgate motion picture group chair Adam Fogelson said the studio responded to audience demand following the film’s release.

“It’s clear from the global box office and social response that audiences want to know what happens next,” he said.

What The Housemaid’s Secret will explore

While plot details remain under wraps, the sequel is expected to centre on Millie working for a new household, introducing a fresh psychological dynamic rather than continuing the first film’s storyline directly.

Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine will return to adapt the sequel, with Feig producing alongside Laura Fischer and Todd Lieberman.

“We’re lucky that Freida McFadden has already extended Millie’s journey on the page,” Feig said. “We can’t wait to bring the next chapter to audiences.”

Cast hints and franchise potential

Amanda Seyfried, who starred in the original film, has previously suggested a sequel was inevitable, indicating she could appear in a reduced role as the focus shifts back to Millie.

McFadden’s Housemaid book series has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, with the second novel accounting for around four million of those sales. The books have been translated into 40 languages.

With Feig and Sweeney both returning, Lionsgate is positioning The Housemaid’s Secret as a potential franchise entry rather than a one-off follow-up.