Lionsgate didn’t waste time. Just a couple of weeks after The Housemaid opened in theaters on December 19, 2025, the studio confirmed a follow-up is in the works.
If you liked the movie’s messy secrets, sharp turns, and “did that really just happen?” energy, you’ll want to keep an eye on what comes next—because the sequel already has a title and a production plan.
Below, I’ll break down what’s confirmed, what looks likely, and what you should watch for next—without forcing any hype.
The Housemaid Sequel Is Official: What Lionsgate Announced
Lionsgate officially announced a sequel after the first film’s fast holiday run turned into a real box-office story.
The studio pointed to global ticket sales and a loud online response as key reasons it moved quickly.
That “move fast” approach often signals confidence: studios usually wait longer unless they see strong audience pull and a clear franchise path.
Sequel title: The Housemaid’s Secret
The sequel carries the title The Housemaid’s Secret, and Lionsgate plans to adapt it from Freida McFadden’s second novel in the bestselling trilogy.
That matters because the source material already exists, which can speed up development and keep the story momentum intact for moviegoers.
When production starts (2026 timeline)
Lionsgate said it’s planning a 2026 production start.
A 2026 shoot usually suggests a release sometime after that (more on timing below), but the key takeaway stays simple: the sequel isn’t just talk—it’s scheduled.
What the studio said about why it’s happening now (audience + momentum)
Lionsgate leadership credited two big drivers: strong box-office performance and an “outpouring” on social media that showed people want the next chapter.
In other words: audiences didn’t just show up—they talked about it, shared it, and helped extend the film’s legs.
Why The Housemaid Became a Box-Office Hit
Not every thriller becomes a crowd event, but The Housemaid found the sweet spot: recognizable stars, a buzzy premise, and a release window that favors “group watch” movies.
Opening stretch and global total so far (domestic vs worldwide)
According to reporting shared by the Associated Press, the film earned $75M+ domestically and $133M worldwide in its first 17 days.
That’s a strong pace for a twist-driven thriller—especially during a competitive holiday corridor.
Budget vs returns: why the numbers made a sequel a no-brainer
AP also reported a $35M budget, which makes the early worldwide total look even better. When a studio sees a clean profit path—plus room for international growth as more territories roll out—it often greenlights the next film fast.
What helped it break through (holiday window, word-of-mouth, social buzz)
Holiday releases reward movies that people recommend quickly, and Lionsgate explicitly highlighted audience response and online buzz.
Also, thrillers play well with “don’t spoil it” energy—viewers invite friends because they want reactions. That dynamic can turn one ticket into three.
Returning Cast and Characters: Who’s Expected Back
When sequels happen this quickly, the biggest question becomes simple: will the core cast return? Early reporting points to “yes” for the key faces.
Sydney Sweeney’s role (Millie) and what “returning” likely means
Sydney Sweeney is expected to return as Millie, and she also returns as an executive producer, per AP and PEOPLE.
That producer credit usually signals real commitment and influence—especially around how the character evolves and how the sequel protects what fans loved in the first film.
Michele Morrone’s role (Enzo) and how he fits into the sequel
PEOPLE reports Michele Morrone will reprise Enzo.
If the sequel follows the book structure, Enzo can function as both anchor and wildcard—someone who can deepen Millie’s world while also raising the tension.
Will Amanda Seyfried return? (cameo possibility)
Amanda Seyfried has openly said she wants to return, even if only for a cameo, and she talked about it publicly during the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
A cameo would make sense: sequels often reward fans with a quick return from an earlier character, even when the new story shifts focus.
Creative Team Updates: Director, Writer, Producers
The sequel talk gets more credible when the creative team stays stable. Here, most signals point toward continuity.
Paul Feig’s involvement and what his style brings to the franchise
Lionsgate is developing the sequel with the intention of reuniting with Paul Feig as director, and multiple reports point to him returning. Feig’s strength often sits in tone control—balancing tension, humor, and heightened moments—so the sequel can keep that “fun but dangerous” vibe without feeling like a copy.
Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine’s return
Rebecca Sonnenshine is also expected to return to adapt the sequel.
That matters because thrillers rely on setup-payoff discipline; keeping the same writer can protect the voice and pacing audiences already responded to.
Freida McFadden’s role as the original author (and executive producer involvement)
Freida McFadden remains attached as an executive producer, according to AP/PEOPLE and other coverage of the announcement.
When authors stay involved, adaptations often handle character motivations more carefully—especially in a series that depends on shifting perceptions.
What the Sequel Will Be About (Spoiler-Light)
You don’t need spoilers to understand the sequel’s direction. The title alone hints at what changes: the story digs deeper into what Millie thinks she knows.
The source material: Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid’s Secret
The sequel adapts The Housemaid’s Secret, the second book in McFadden’s trilogy.
That built-in roadmap gives the movie a strong foundation and reduces the risk of “we made a sequel but ran out of story.”
What changes in the second story compared to the first
Sequels often shift the setting, the power dynamics, or the “rules” the protagonist plays by—otherwise the twist engine feels repetitive.
Since Lionsgate framed this as “the next chapter of Millie’s story,” expect the plot to expand her world rather than recreate the same job-and-secrets format.
How the sequel could raise the stakes without repeating the same twists
The cleanest way to raise stakes: give Millie more to lose and fewer safe options.
A strong sequel also changes how it surprises you—less “same twist again,” more “new kind of trap.” That approach keeps returning audiences engaged and invites new viewers who start with movie #2.
Book Series Roadmap: Could This Become a Trilogy of Movies?
Since the story already exists as a trilogy, franchise math starts immediately: one hit can become two, and two can become a full run—if the numbers stay strong.
The three-book arc and what it means for film plans
AP and PEOPLE both note the sequel adapts the second book, and the series includes a third installment as well.
When studios hold a clear three-part path, they can plan cast schedules and release windows earlier, which helps keep momentum.
The Housemaid Is Watching (future adaptation potential)
PEOPLE notes McFadden wrote a third book, The Housemaid Is Watching (released in 2024).
If the second movie lands well, Lionsgate won’t need to invent a new direction—Movie #3 already has a title and a built-in audience.
What would need to happen financially for Movie #3
Studios typically look for:
- Strong holds after opening (not just a front-loaded weekend)
- International growth (especially for thrillers with global appeal)
- Cost control (keeping budgets reasonable protects profit)
If The Housemaid’s Secret matches the first movie’s efficiency, a trilogy becomes realistic.
Release Date Predictions: When Could The Housemaid’s Secret Hit Theaters?
We don’t have an official release date yet, so treat this section as informed planning—based on what Lionsgate confirmed and how theatrical windows usually work.
What a 2026 production start usually suggests for release timing
A 2026 production start commonly points to late 2026 or 2027 for theatrical release, depending on schedule, post-production complexity, and marketing plans.
Since thrillers don’t always require heavy VFX, Lionsgate could move quickly if it wants to keep audience heat.
The studio strategy: why a fast sequel can matter
Fast sequels work when:
- the first movie stays in pop culture conversation, and
- the cast remains available, and
- the story already exists (true here).That strategy can turn “hit movie” into “must-follow series” in under two years.
What to watch for next (casting confirmations, filming location, teaser window)
Watch for these milestones:
- Formal cast confirmations beyond the early reports
- Production start month (early vs late 2026 changes release expectations)
- First-look photos or a teaser (often appears once filming wraps)
Where to Watch The Housemaid Right Now
If you missed the theatrical run, you still have options soon—but streaming dates can shift.
Theatrical status and what typically comes next (PVOD → streaming)
The film released in theaters on December 19, 2025.
For the at-home rollout, several outlets expect a PVOD window in mid-January 2026 (often around 3–5 weeks after theatrical debut).
For subscription streaming, Lionsgate’s output deals commonly route movies into a Pay-1/streaming window later; Deadline has reported Lionsgate’s SVOD window for theatrical releases has ranged roughly 136–180 days in recent terms.
Smart decision tip: If you want the biggest screen + crowd reactions, go theatrical. If you prefer control (pause/rewind), PVOD often offers the fastest home option.
Best viewing order: movie first vs book first (for new fans)
- Movie-first works best if you love surprises and don’t want to know the turns ahead of time.
- Book-first works best if you enjoy details, internal thoughts, and the full breadcrumb trail.
If you plan to read after watching, grab the sequel novel right away so you can compare choices the filmmakers make.
FAQs
Is the sequel confirmed or just rumored?
Confirmed. Lionsgate announced the sequel and shared the title The Housemaid’s Secret with a 2026 production plan.
Is Sydney Sweeney definitely returning?
Reporting says Lionsgate is developing the project with the aim of bringing Sweeney back, and PEOPLE reports she will return (and remains an executive producer).
Until you see a final cast list from the studio, treat it as “highly likely,” not “locked in ink.”
Is The Housemaid’s Secret based on a book?
Yes. It’s based on Freida McFadden’s second novel in the trilogy.
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Conclusion:
The Housemaid didn’t just win attention—it converted attention into real ticket sales, and Lionsgate responded with a fast, official sequel announcement.
Right now, the most important confirmed points stay simple: the sequel’s titled The Housemaid’s Secret, it targets a 2026 production start, and the creative/cast core looks set to continue the story.
