The “Freida McFadden fever” has officially transitioned from the bookshelf to the big screen, and the results are nothing short of a cinematic landslide. After dominating the holiday box office, the Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried-led psychological thriller The Housemaid has officially been greenlit for a sequel.
Lionsgate wasted no time following the film’s massive $133 million global haul since its December 19 release. With production slated to begin later this year, fans are already buzzing about what lies ahead for Millie and the dark secrets she’s bound to uncover next. Here is everything we know about the next chapter in this gripping saga.
The Housemaid’s Secret: A New Shift Begins
The sequel will be titled The Housemaid’s Secret, directly adapting the second installment of Freida McFadden’s best-selling book trilogy. For those who haven’t yet dove into the novels, the series has sold over 12 million copies, providing a massive built-in audience that turned out in droves for the first film.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson noted that the decision was a “no-brainer,” citing the “audible” reactions from theatrical audiences. The first film didn’t just sell tickets; it created a social media firestorm, proving that the psychological thriller genre is alive and well when paired with the right star power and a twist-heavy script.
The Dream Team Returns
Consistency is key for a successful franchise, and Lionsgate is keeping the core creative engine intact.
Sydney Sweeney is officially set to reprise her role as Millie. Not only will she be back in front of the camera, but she will also continue her work behind the scenes as an executive producer.
Michele Morrone is also confirmed to return, ensuring the complex character dynamics that fueled the first film’s tension remain front and center.
Paul Feig will return to the director’s chair. Known for his ability to balance tone and tension, Feig expressed his excitement about extending Millie’s journey on the page to the screen.
Rebecca Sonnenshine, the screenwriter who successfully distilled McFadden’s twisty prose for the first film, is already at work on the sequel’s adaptation.
“It’s been thrilling to see audiences around the world fall in love with The Housemaid… We’re lucky that Freida McFadden has already extended Millie’s journey on the page.” — Paul Feig, Director
What Can Fans Expect?
While the first film focused on the claustrophobic and deceptive environment of the Winchester household, The Housemaid’s Secret promises to expand the scope of the mystery. In the source material, Millie finds herself in a new position for a wealthy family, only to realize that the glass house she’s cleaning is full of even more dangerous secrets than the last.
The studio is aiming to capture that same “rousing and riotous moviegoing experience” that made the first film a word-of-mouth sensation. By leaning into the “theatrical experience,” the producers are doubling down on the idea that these types of thrillers belong on the big screen rather than just a streaming queue.
Production Timeline and Release Date
While an official release date hasn’t been locked into the calendar, the gears are moving fast. Lionsgate has confirmed that production will start “later this year” (2026).
Given the typical turnaround for a thriller of this scale, fans should keep their eyes peeled for a late 2027 release. This would mirror the successful December launch of the first film, potentially turning The Housemaid into a recurring holiday tradition for thriller lovers.
