Sidney Sweeney still can’t put down his mop and bucket. She’ll be cleaning up again soon in the just-announced sequel to “The Housemaid,” which was a big hit at the holiday box office.
The Housemaid’s Secret, based on the second novel in author Frieda McFadden’s best-selling trilogy, is scheduled to begin production this year and has been in development for several months.
After The Housemaid’s box office success after its December 19 release, it wouldn’t be surprising if Lionsgate greenlit a sequel to the thriller. It has already grossed an impressive $133 million worldwide in its first two-and-a-half weeks, a number that will only increase as it expands into international territories.
In “The Housemaid,” Sweeney co-stars with Amanda Seyfried and “It Ends with Us” actor Brandon Skrenner in a twisted story of secrets and deceit in a wealthy couple’s seemingly perfect home.
The film had a glitzy Hollywood premiere last month, with Seyfried and Sweeney butting hips.
Lionsgate is already the studio behind blockbusters like “John Wick,” “The Hunger Games,” and “Twilight,” so “The Housemaid” is in good company.
“It’s clear from the global box office numbers and outpouring of response on social media that audiences have responded strongly to the completely unique and truly theatrical experience of ‘The Housemaid’ and are eager to find out what happens next,” said Lionsgate Film Group Chairman Adam Fogelson. “We believed in these stories from the beginning, and we’re so excited to bring the next chapter of Millie’s story to life on screen.”
Director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, A Simple Favor) is set to return as a director, with Sweeney and 365 Days alum Michelle Morrone also expected to reprise their on-screen roles.
Sweeney will also serve as executive producer.
The Housemaid series has sold over 12 million copies across all titles, with the second book selling over 4 million copies. Translated into 40 languages, the book has been a New York Times bestseller for 65 weeks and won the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller.
