Sydney Sweeney box-office hit ‘The Housemaid’ to get a sequel

Lionsgate Greenlights Sequel to Sydney Sweeney’s Box Office Hit “The Housemaid”

After less than three weeks in theaters, psychological thriller “The Housemaid” starring Sydney Sweeney has proven successful enough to warrant a sequel, Lionsgate announced Tuesday.

The studio confirmed production on “The Housemaid’s Secret” will begin later this year. The follow-up will adapt the second book in Freida McFadden’s bestselling literary trilogy that inspired the original film.

“The Housemaid” has emerged as a surprise hit during the holiday movie season, generating impressive commercial returns despite competing against several major franchise releases. The Paul Feig-directed thriller has collected over $75 million domestically and $133 million worldwide since its debut 17 days ago, easily recouping its modest $35 million production budget.

The film stars Sweeney as a live-in housemaid hired by a wealthy couple portrayed by Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. Its tense psychological narrative and unexpected twists have resonated with audiences, creating strong word-of-mouth momentum at the box office.

“It’s clear from both the global box office and from the outpouring on social media that audiences have responded strongly — and audibly — to the totally unique and truly theatrical experience of ‘The Housemaid’ and want to know what happens next,” said Adam Fogelson, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman, in a statement announcing the sequel.

Lionsgate is developing the sequel with the intention of bringing back both director Paul Feig and star Sydney Sweeney. The studio noted that Sweeney would also return as an executive producer on the project. Rebecca Sonnenshine, who wrote the screenplay for the first film, has been tapped to pen the sequel.

The commercial success of “The Housemaid” represents a significant career milestone for Sweeney, whose previous theatrical release, the boxing drama “Christy,” underperformed at the box office in November despite awards season ambitions. That film earned just $2 million globally, making “The Housemaid” a much-needed commercial win for the rising star.

Hollywood analysts point to several factors that contributed to “The Housemaid’s” success. The film capitalized on strong performances from its cast, a compelling premise based on popular source material, and effective marketing that highlighted its suspenseful elements. Additionally, the psychological thriller genre has historically performed well with adult audiences seeking alternatives to superhero and franchise films.

The quick greenlight for a sequel demonstrates Lionsgate’s confidence in the property’s potential as a new franchise. The studio has been actively seeking to develop new intellectual properties that can generate multiple films, particularly as the theatrical exhibition business continues to recover from pandemic-related disruptions.

For Sweeney, the success further cements her rising status in Hollywood after breakthrough roles in television series like “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus.” Her involvement as an executive producer on the sequel also indicates her growing influence behind the camera as she expands her industry footprint.

The film industry has seen mixed results with literary adaptation sequels, with success often depending on audience investment in the characters and world-building established in the first installment. Lionsgate’s swift development timeline suggests confidence that audience interest will remain high if the sequel can maintain the tonal elements that made the original successful.

“The Housemaid’s Secret” is expected to continue the psychological suspense elements of the original while expanding the narrative as established in McFadden’s literary series. No specific release date has been announced, though the accelerated production schedule suggests the studio is aiming for a potential 2025 release.