Lionsgate Advances The Housemaid Franchise with 2026 Sequel Production

2026-01-07 companies

Santa Monica, Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
Capitalizing on a massive $133 million global gross in just 17 days, Lionsgate has officially greenlit The Housemaid’s Secret. Production is slated for 2026, with director Paul Feig and star Sydney Sweeney returning to expand this rapidly growing thriller franchise.

Rapid Franchise Expansion

Following the official announcement on Tuesday morning, Lionsgate confirmed that the sequel, titled The Housemaid’s Secret, is scheduled to begin production in 2026 [1][6]. The studio is moving aggressively to retain the core creative team responsible for the first film’s success; Paul Feig is set to return as director, while Sydney Sweeney is in negotiations to reprise her lead role as Millie and will serve as an executive producer [1][3]. Michele Morrone is also expected to return to the cast, signaling a strong continuity strategy for the budding franchise [2].

Analyzing the ROI

The speed of this greenlight is underpinned by exceptional financial performance. Since its release on December 19, The Housemaid has generated $133 million in global ticket sales against a reported production budget of $35 million [2][5]. This represents a gross return multiple of approximately 3.8 times the budget, a highly efficient yield for a mid-budget thriller. The film has found particular resonance in the North American market, grossing $75.7 million domestically [2], which accounts for roughly 56.917 percent of its total worldwide box office revenue.

Leveraging Intellectual Property

Lionsgate is capitalizing on the substantial existing fanbase of Freida McFadden’s literary trilogy. The source material for the sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, has already sold 4 million copies individually, contributing to the series’ total sales of over 12 million units [1][2]. Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine will return to adapt the novel, ensuring narrative consistency as the property transitions from a standalone hit to a serialized franchise [3][7]. The first book’s endurance as a New York Times bestseller for 65 weeks suggests a built-in audience for the continued on-screen adaptation [1].

Cast Dynamics and Production

While the sequel’s plot will follow Millie to a new job at the Garrick household, effectively rotating the supporting cast, there are indications that legacy characters may appear [7]. Amanda Seyfried, who starred in the first installment, noted at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, 2026, that a cameo is a distinct possibility, stating she would “jump the f— back into that” narrative universe [2][5]. The production will be overseen by Lionsgate’s Chelsea Kujawa and Maria Ascanio, with Todd Lieberman and Laura Fischer returning to produce alongside Feig [2][3].

Sources

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