🚨 THE HOUSEMAID 2: FIRST LOOK TRAILER BUZZ IS EXPLODING… AND IT’S ALREADY TWISTED AF! 😈🔥
Millie’s back—Sydney Sweeney stepping into ANOTHER nightmare household, secrets darker than the last, and that killer smile hiding who-knows-what.
After the insane $295M box office run and that jaw-dropping twist, Lionsgate just dropped the greenlight bomb: Paul Feig directing again, Michele Morrone returning, and whispers of Amanda Seyfried cameo-ing for one last chaotic vibe.
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‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ Sequel Greenlit as Lionsgate Capitalizes on Thriller’s Box Office Success
The psychological thriller The Housemaid has proven a surprise hit for Lionsgate, prompting the studio to fast-track a sequel titled The Housemaid’s Secret. Announced in early January 2026, the follow-up will adapt the second novel in Freida McFadden’s bestselling trilogy and bring back key talent from the 2025 original. While no official trailer or first-look footage has been released, the announcement has generated significant interest among fans of the book series and the film’s audience.
The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and released December 19, 2025, stars Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway, a young woman with a troubled past who takes a live-in housemaid position for the wealthy Winchester family. Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, the unpredictable wife, with Brandon Sklenar as husband Andrew and Michele Morrone as landscaper Enzo. The story unfolds as Millie uncovers dangerous secrets in the seemingly perfect household, leading to twists involving deception, violence, and moral ambiguity. The film, based on McFadden’s 2022 novel, blends erotic thriller elements with domestic suspense, drawing comparisons to 1990s classics in the genre.
The movie premiered at New York’s Axa Equitable Center on December 2, 2025, before its wide release. It opened to solid numbers despite competition from major titles like Avatar: Fire and Ash and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants. Initial projections estimated $20-25 million domestically from over 3,000 theaters, with an $8 million first day including previews. By late January 2026, global grosses reached $295 million on a reported $35 million budget, marking a strong return and Lionsgate’s second-highest performer for Feig behind previous hits. Critical reception was generally favorable, with a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score from 190 reviews and a 92% audience score from over 5,000 verified ratings. Critics praised the film’s entertaining twists, Seyfried’s commanding performance, and its unapologetic embrace of pulpy thriller tropes, though some noted predictable elements or uneven pacing.
The sequel announcement came swiftly, reflecting the film’s momentum and social media buzz. Lionsgate confirmed development had been underway for months prior to the greenlight. Sweeney is expected to reprise Millie and serve as an executive producer, with Morrone set to return as Enzo. Feig will direct again, reuniting with screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine, who adapted the first book. Producers include Todd Lieberman and Carly Elter of Hidden Pictures, Feig and Laura Fischer of Pretty Dangerous Pictures, and Alex Young, with McFadden as an executive producer.
The Housemaid’s Secret draws from McFadden’s 2023 follow-up novel, which continues Millie’s story as she interviews for—and accepts—a new housemaid position with another affluent but dysfunctional family. The book explores further layers of deception, personal trauma, and escalating danger, building on the first installment’s themes of power imbalances, hidden pasts, and survival instincts. The first film’s ending teases this direction, with Millie attending another interview after receiving a substantial check from Nina, suggesting her cycle of entering precarious domestic situations may continue.
Seyfried, whose character Nina’s arc concludes in the original, has expressed openness to returning in a limited capacity. In interviews around the Palm Springs International Film Festival in early January 2026, she indicated a “small cameo” was likely, noting the sequel would focus more on Millie’s new employment while allowing for brief ties to the Winchesters. Feig has echoed enthusiasm for extending the story, crediting McFadden’s novels for providing rich material and audiences for embracing the theatrical experience.
Production is slated to begin later in 2026, following the first film’s efficient schedule (filming from January to March 2025). No exact premiere date has been set, but industry observers suggest a possible late 2026 or more likely 2027 release, potentially aligning with holiday seasons to capitalize on thriller demand. Lionsgate has emphasized the franchise potential, with McFadden’s third book, The Housemaid Is Watching (2024), offering material for future installments if the sequel performs well.
The rapid sequel greenlight highlights shifting dynamics in mid-budget thrillers. The Housemaid succeeded through strong word-of-mouth, social media traction—particularly on platforms like TikTok where McFadden’s books gained viral popularity—and star power from Sweeney, whose draw has grown with recent projects. The film’s R rating allowed for mature themes including eroticism, psychological tension, and graphic elements, appealing to adult audiences seeking escapist suspense.
McFadden’s series has sold millions worldwide, translated into numerous languages, and built a dedicated readership through unreliable narrators and shocking reveals. The author’s background as a physician adds authenticity to psychological aspects, though she uses a pen name to separate her medical career. The adaptation’s success mirrors other book-to-film thrillers like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, where twists drive repeat viewings and discussion.
While no first-look images or trailer exist yet, fan speculation online includes mock edits and predictions about plot directions, such as deeper exploration of Millie’s backstory, Enzo’s role in her new life, or lingering consequences from the Winchesters. Lionsgate has not detailed additional casting, but the focus on Sweeney suggests a vehicle built around her character’s evolution from vulnerable newcomer to potentially more assertive figure.
The franchise’s trajectory will depend on execution. Feig, known for comedies like Bridesmaids and thrillers like A Simple Favor, brings a distinctive style blending humor, tension, and visual flair. If The Housemaid’s Secret maintains the original’s balance of camp, suspense, and star-driven performances, it could solidify a new thriller series for Lionsgate in a market hungry for original adult-oriented stories.
As production ramps up, more details—casting updates, plot teases, and eventual footage—are anticipated. For now, the sequel announcement sustains interest in a property that exceeded expectations, proving audiences still crave twisty, character-driven thrillers on the big screen.
