Author Freida McFadden Reveals Identity as Dr. Sara Cohen Amidst "The Housemaid" Film Series Developments

Author Freida McFadden, known for thrillers such as "The Housemaid," has publicly disclosed her true identity as Sara Cohen, a doctor specializing in brain disorders. The revelation coincides with ongoing developments for film adaptations of her novels, including a sequel to "The Housemaid."

Author's Identity Revelation

Sara Cohen, who published under the pseudonym Freida McFadden for over a decade, announced her true identity, citing a desire to end the secrecy and address public speculation regarding her existence. Cohen stated that she had been fatigued by maintaining the secret, which previously involved using a wig and glasses in public to differentiate her professional and writing personas. The pseudonym was initially adopted to prevent her literary career from impacting her medical work.

After a decade, Freida McFadden has revealed her true identity as Dr. Sara Cohen, a physician specializing in brain disorders, citing fatigue from maintaining the secret and public speculation.

In 2023, Cohen transitioned from full-time medical practice to part-time, reducing her work to approximately once or twice a month. This shift occurred roughly a year after the release of her novel "The Housemaid." Her medical colleagues were reportedly aware of her pseudonym prior to the public announcement and maintained confidentiality.

Despite the revelation of her birth name, Cohen intends to continue publishing under the Freida McFadden pseudonym in the literary world. Her novel, "The Divorce," is scheduled for release on May 26. Cohen has stated that her interactions with readers have consistently been genuine.

"The Housemaid" Film Series Developments

Lionsgate has approved the production of a sequel to the film "The Housemaid," titled "The Housemaid's Secret." The original film, based on McFadden's 2022 novel, was released in theaters on December 19, 2025.

"The Housemaid" centers on Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney), a woman with a history of incarceration, who accepts a live-in housekeeper position for the affluent Winchester family, including Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar). The narrative explores Millie's observations and discoveries within the household. Michele Morrone portrayed Enzo, the estate's groundskeeper.

The film achieved commercial success, with global box office figures varying across reports, ranging from over $133 million to $374 million against a reported budget of $35 million.

"The Housemaid," starring Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway, follows her journey as a housekeeper uncovering secrets within an affluent family, achieving significant global box office success.

Actress Amanda Seyfried, who played Nina, commented on her executive producer credit for "The Housemaid," describing it as a "vanity credit." She stated she was unaware of the credit until three weeks into production and did not contribute to the film's development in a producing capacity, primarily acting in the film.

The sequel, "The Housemaid's Secret," is based on McFadden's 2023 novel, the second in "The Housemaid" series. Paul Feig is slated to direct, with Rebecca Sonnenshine adapting the screenplay, having also written the first film.

Sydney Sweeney is expected to reprise her role as Millie Calloway and will also serve as an executive producer for the sequel. Michele Morrone is anticipated to return as Enzo, and Kirsten Dunst is noted as a co-star.

Conflicting reports exist regarding the start of filming for "The Housemaid's Secret"; one source indicates 2024, while another specifies a 2026 production start. The film is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.

The plot of "The Housemaid's Secret" will continue Millie Calloway's story, depicting her in a new housekeeping position. In this installment, Millie is hired by a wealthy woman, for whom she is not permitted to be seen, leading her to uncover concealed truths and become involved in a complex situation. The narrative explores themes of power, perception, and vulnerability.

In the sequel, "The Housemaid's Secret," Millie Calloway takes on a new, secretive housekeeping role where she uncovers concealed truths, delving into themes of power and vulnerability.

Producers for the sequel include Todd Lieberman, Paul Feig, Laura Fischer, Carly Elter, and Alex Young, with Freida McFadden also serving as an executive producer. Lionsgate executives Chelsea Kujawa and Maria Ascanio will oversee the film's development. Amanda Seyfried's character, Nina, is not featured in the sequel's source material, though Seyfried has expressed interest in a cameo appearance.

Freida McFadden's novels have sold over 12 million units, with "The Housemaid's Secret" alone accounting for four million sales. The book has been translated into 40 languages, spent 65 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and received the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller. The series also includes "The Housemaid Is Watching" (2024 novel) and the short story "The Housemaid's Wedding" (2025).

Several other book-to-screen adaptations of McFadden's works are currently in 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).
• A novel titled "Dear Debbie" is also slated for adaptation into an Amazon TV series.