Lionsgate has confirmed the production of "The Housemaid's Secret," a sequel to its 2025 film "The Housemaid." The new film will adapt Freida McFadden's novel of the same name and is expected to feature the return of Sydney Sweeney in the lead role, with Paul Feig directing and Rebecca Sonnenshine writing the screenplay. Reports on the production timeline indicate filming is scheduled to begin either in 2024 or 2026.
Production Details and Key Personnel
Lionsgate has approved the production of "The Housemaid's Secret." While one source indicates filming is scheduled to commence in 2024, another reports a 2026 production start.
Sydney Sweeney is anticipated to reprise her role as Millie Calloway and will also serve as an executive producer. Michele Morrone is expected to return in the role of Enzo. Paul Feig, who directed the first film, is set to direct the sequel, and Rebecca Sonnenshine, the screenwriter for "The Housemaid," will adapt "The Housemaid's Secret."
The production team includes Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures, Paul Feig, Laura Fischer of Pretty Dangerous Pictures, Carly Elter of Hidden Pictures, and Alex Young as producers. Freida McFadden will also serve as an executive producer. Lionsgate executives Chelsea Kujawa and Maria Ascanio will oversee the film's development, with Robert Melnik handling studio negotiations.
Overview of "The Housemaid" Film
The original film, "The Housemaid," was released in theaters on December 19, 2025. It is based on Freida McFadden's 2022 novel of the same name. The film grossed over $75 million domestically and $133 million worldwide, with international distribution continuing through January.
The cast included Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway, Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester, Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester, and Michele Morrone as Enzo, the estate's groundskeeper. The plot involves Millie Calloway, who has a history of incarceration, accepting a live-in housekeeper position for the affluent Winchester family and subsequently uncovering secrets within the household dynamics. The first film concluded with Millie interviewing for a new position, a role she was expected to secure based on a recommendation.
"The Housemaid's Secret" Plot
The sequel adapts Freida McFadden's 2023 novel, "The Housemaid's Secret." The story continues Millie Calloway's narrative as she accepts a new position in a different affluent household. In this new role, Millie encounters a household with concealed circumstances, becoming involved in a complex situation during her efforts to assist her new employer. The narrative explores themes of power, perception, and vulnerability.
Freida McFadden's Book Series and Literary Impact
"The Housemaid's Secret" is the second of three novels in "The Housemaid" series, which also includes "The Housemaid Is Watching" (published in 2024). Freida McFadden is a physician who writes under a pseudonym. The series also includes the short story "The Housemaid's Wedding," published in 2025.
Across all titles, McFadden's novels have sold over 12 million units, with "The Housemaid's Secret" accounting for four million of those sales. The book has been translated into 40 languages, maintained a position on the New York Times bestseller list for 65 weeks, and received the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller.
Other Adaptations of Freida McFadden's Works
Several other book-to-screen adaptations of Freida McFadden's works are in various stages of development:
- Sony is developing a film adaptation of "The Surrogate Mother" (2018 novel).
- Apple Original Films is producing a feature film based on "The Teacher" (2024 novel).
- Amazon is adapting "The Tenant" (2025 thriller).
- "Dear Debbie," scheduled for release later this month, is also slated for adaptation into an Amazon TV series.
Production Team Representation
- Rebecca Sonnenshine is represented by UTA, Circle Management + Production, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
- Freida McFadden is represented by Christina Hogrebe (Jane Rotrosen Agency), Angela Cheng Caplan (Cheng Caplan Company), and Allison Binder (Goodman Genow Schenkman).
- Sydney Sweeney is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
- Michele Morrone is represented by Ascend Artist Representation and Gang, Tyre, Ramer.
- Paul Feig is represented by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.