‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ Begins Filming as Lionsgate Doubles Down on Its Thriller

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
THE HOUSEMAID
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Few thrillers emerged quite like ‘The Housemaid’. Freida McFadden’s bestselling novels were already a sensation, and Lionsgate recognized their cinematic potential early, securing the trilogy before the books skyrocketed in popularity. This gamble has certainly paid off.

The first film, directed by Paul Feig and featuring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, debuted in December 2025, earning $19 million in its opening weekend. It went on to gross $125 million domestically and nearly $400 million globally on a modest $35 million budget, becoming the standout hit of the holiday season and later gaining traction on streaming platforms.

Now, the sequel is officially in production. ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’, commonly referred to as ‘The Housemaid 2’, has commenced filming, with a 15-second behind-the-scenes video shared from the official account providing a sneak peek of the set. The film is slated for release in theaters on December 17, 2027, exactly two years after the original.

This sequel is based on the second book in McFadden’s trilogy. Millie embarks on a new chapter with a housekeeping job in Manhattan, working for Douglas Garrick, who claims his wife, Wendy, is too ill to be seen. However, Millie soon observes unsettling behaviors and details that suggest something more sinister is occurring within the apartment.

The official logline describes her taking a job to care for a woman she’s never allowed to see, only to uncover the truth behind the locked door, which threatens to reveal secrets darker than her own. This setup mirrors the first film’s slow-building tension while shifting the location and stakes.

Sydney Sweeney reprises her role as Millie Calloway and also serves as an executive producer. Michele Morrone returns as Enzo, while Kirsten Dunst joins the cast as Wendy Garrick, and Paul Anthony Kelly plays Douglas. Brittany Snow has also been added to the lineup.

Amanda Seyfried’s involvement in the sequel has not been confirmed, although she mentioned to Variety that she could envision a brief cameo. Brandon Sklenar’s character, Andrew Winchester, met a tragic end in the first film, so he is not expected to return. This opens the door for a different dynamic this time around.

Paul Feig returns to direct, working from a script by Rebecca Sonnenshine, who adapted the first book. They are joined by producers Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures, Laura Fischer of Feig’s Pretty Dangerous Pictures, and Sweeney through Fifty-Fifty Films. McFadden also serves as an executive producer.

Feig informed Deadline at the Oscars that production would take place in the fall, and that timeline has been maintained, with cameras now rolling. Lionsgate announced the sequel just 17 days after the first film’s release, when it had already surpassed $133 million worldwide.

The studio clearly sees a long-term opportunity, with plans to transform ‘The Housemaid’ into a major film franchise, aiming to adapt more of McFadden’s works. A third novel, ‘The Housemaid Is Watching’, is already in the pipeline.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson stated that audiences responded enthusiastically to the theatrical experience and are eager to discover what happens next. This aligns with the film’s reputation as an audience-friendly thriller that sparks conversations in theaters.

The release date is ambitious, as ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ is set to premiere on the same day as ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ and ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’. These male-oriented franchises may allow the thriller to carve out its own audience.

The first film demonstrated the potential of that audience. With a new director-star reunion, an exciting cast, and a compelling premise, the sequel stands a strong chance of delivering another twisty holiday hit. As production progresses, the secrets are just beginning to unfold.

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