Paul Anthony Kelly Joins Sydney Sweeney in ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ Cast

Lionsgate’s upcoming thriller sequel The Housemaid’s Secret has welcomed a new cast member. Paul Anthony Kelly is set to join the film alongside Sydney Sweeney, who reprises her role as Millie, and Kirsten Dunst, who has also recently joined the project.

This role marks a significant milestone for Kelly, who is still in the early stages of his film career. He will make his feature film debut with this project, having previously gained attention for portraying John F. Kennedy Jr. in the FX series American Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. This role helped him gain wider recognition in the industry and opened doors to more major casting opportunities.

In The Housemaid’s Secret, Kelly will portray a character named Douglas Garrick, described as a wealthy businessman who becomes Millie’s new employer. Millie, played by Sydney Sweeney, was a housemaid in the first film, and her journey continues in this sequel. Kirsten Dunst will take on the role of Wendy Garrick, Douglas’s wife.

The film continues the narrative established in the first Housemaid movie, which was based on Freida McFadden’s bestselling book series. The sequel is also adapted from McFadden’s second novel in the same series, following Millie as she enters a new household that appears perfect on the surface but conceals darker secrets beneath.

Directed by Paul Feig, who helmed the first film, the project aims to build on the success of the original movie. Rebecca Sonnenshine returns to write the screenplay, continuing her work from the first installment.

The first Housemaid film was released in 2025 and achieved significant box office success. It starred Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway, a young woman with a troubled past seeking a fresh start by working for a wealthy family. However, she soon uncovers dangerous secrets within the household. The film reportedly grossed around 400 million dollars worldwide, establishing a strong foundation for the franchise.

Due to the success of the first film, Lionsgate quickly moved forward with plans to adapt more books from the series. The second film continues this expansion, introducing new characters while keeping Sweeney at the forefront of the story.

Kelly’s casting has garnered attention due to the rapid development of his career. According to Deadline, he previously worked primarily as a model before transitioning into acting. His breakout role in television facilitated his move to larger projects, and this new film role signifies a major step into mainstream Hollywood.

With a returning lead, a new ensemble cast, and a successful first film behind it, The Housemaid’s Secret is already generating strong interest ahead of the full release of production details. The blend of new cast members and familiar characters is expected to maintain the psychological thriller tone that resonated with audiences in the first film.

The sequel is progressing with production plans while continuing to expand its cast, setting the stage for another significant release in the franchise.

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