Show summary Hide summary
- Green light for a sequel: studio confirms plans and timeline
- Box office surge that sparked the move
- Key players returning to steer the sequel
- Main cast and characters fans loved
- What the sequel’s story will follow
- Sales, awards, and global reach of the novels
- Studio team handling the film slate and business details
Paul Feig’s twisty thriller has become a surprise holiday juggernaut, and Lionsgate is moving fast to turn one hit into a franchise. After a blistering start in theaters, the studio is already planning a follow-up based on Freida McFadden’s next book.
Green light for a sequel: studio confirms plans and timeline
Lionsgate announced the sequel has entered development and aims to begin production in 2026. The next film will adapt McFadden’s second novel in the series, titled The Housemaid’s Secret. Studio leaders say the decision reflects the movie’s early momentum and strong audience response.
Valerie Bertinelli drops F-bomb live on Today show: says she’ll never be invited back
Mike Vrabel and pregnant Dianna Russini dodged photos while renting private boat
Box office surge that sparked the move
The film rocketed past expectations at the box office. In just 17 days, it earned more than $75 million domestically. Worldwide receipts are already reported at roughly $133 million, with some international markets still rolling out.
Executives pointed to both ticket sales and social buzz as reasons to double down on the property.
Key players returning to steer the sequel
The studio confirmed several behind-the-scenes names will be back for the next entry. Rebecca Sonnenshine, who adapted the first film, is attached to write the sequel script. Producers from both the studio and Paul Feig’s company remain involved.
- Returning creative leads: Rebecca Sonnenshine (screenwriter), Paul Feig (producer, likely director)
- Producers: Todd Lieberman, Paul Feig, Laura Fischer, Carly Elter, Alex Young
- Executive producers: Sydney Sweeney and Freida McFadden
The project is being developed with an eye toward having Paul Feig direct again and for stars like Sydney Sweeney and Michele Morrone to return.
Main cast and characters fans loved
The original film introduced Millie, a struggling cleaner who takes a job with a dangerously wealthy family. The ensemble includes breakout turns that fueled fan conversation.
- Sydney Sweeney as Millie, the titular housemaid
- Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester
- Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester
- Michele Morrone as Enzo, the gardener with secrets
What the sequel’s story will follow
McFadden’s second book follows Millie after she leaves the Winchester household for a new job. The studio is tight-lipped on plot specifics to avoid spoiling the original or the second novel. Fans should expect more twists and dark surprises.
McFadden has also published a third title, The Housemaid Is Watching, which promises further complications and a fresh angle on the series’ suspense.
Sales, awards, and global reach of the novels
The book series has become a publishing phenomenon. Across formats and titles, the franchise has sold over 12 million units. The second book alone accounts for about 4 million sales.
- Translated into 40 languages
- New York Times bestseller for 65 weeks
- Winner of the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller
Studio team handling the film slate and business details
Lionsgate executives overseeing the franchise include Chelsea Kujawa, who shepherded the first movie into the studio, and Maria Ascanio. Deal negotiations were led by Robert Melnik. The studio says development has been underway for months as teams map the next steps.
