A sequel to the psychological thriller The Housemaid is officially in development, as Lionsgate confirms plans for The Housemaid’s Secret. The studio announced on January 6, 2026, that the follow-up has been in the works for several months. The original film, which hit theaters in December 2025, starred Sydney Sweeney as Millie, a woman who discovers the dark secrets of a seemingly perfect household while taking a live-in housekeeping job for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew Winchester, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar.
The screenplay for the sequel is based on Freida McFadden’s 2023 novel, the second installment in her Housemaid thriller trilogy. While Lionsgate has yet to provide an official plot synopsis, the book expands Millie’s narrative as she tries to move on from her past, only to find herself entangled in another troubling household.
In the novel, Millie, grappling with a felony conviction, accepts a position with a wealthy Manhattan couple, the Garricks. Douglas Garrick, the CEO of Coinstock, hires Millie to assist with his wife, Wendy, who is reportedly unwell and confined to their home. As Millie delves deeper into her role, she uncovers unsettling inconsistencies indicating that Wendy may be facing control or harm rather than mere illness.
As Millie’s concerns escalate, she uncovers evidence that confirms her fears, prompting her to intervene. Drawing from her experiences helping women escape abusive situations, Millie’s actions trigger a series of dramatic events that challenge everything she thought she understood about the household.
McFadden’s novel has proven to be a commercial success, with approximately 4 million copies sold from a trilogy that totals over 12 million copies. This popularity has undoubtedly influenced Lionsgate’s decision to produce a sequel.
Production and Casting Details
While an official release date for The Housemaid’s Secret has not yet been announced, Lionsgate aims to begin production in 2026. The exact filming schedule remains undisclosed.
Sweeney is set to reprise her role as Millie, with Michele Morrone returning as Enzo. Although Seyfried’s character, Nina Winchester, does not play a central role in the sequel, she has expressed interest in making a cameo. At the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, 2026, Seyfried told Variety, “I almost guarantee that I’m gonna be some small cameo in it.” She also expressed curiosity about how Millie continues to navigate her relationship with Nina, saying, “I really want to see how she keeps Nina Winchester in her pocket.”
Director Paul Feig will return to helm the sequel, alongside producers Todd Lieberman and Laura Fischer. Rebecca Sonnenshine, who adapted McFadden’s original novel for the screen, will also return to write the sequel. Additionally, Sweeney and McFadden will serve as executive producers. Feig remarked, “We’re lucky that Freida McFadden has already extended Millie’s journey on the page, and that we get to work with Rebecca Sonnenshine and Lionsgate to bring this next story to audiences.”
Future Prospects for the Franchise
The potential for further adaptations remains open, as McFadden released a third novel, The Housemaid Is Watching, in 2024. Sweeney has already indicated her enthusiasm for continuing the role, stating, “I was such a huge fan of the books, so I would be just as happy as everyone else being able to see more Housemaids come to life and getting to explore more of Millie.” She added, “She’s spicy. She is a fighter. She knows what she believes in, and she stands up for it. I love characters like that,” highlighting the appeal of strong female protagonists in contemporary cinema.
As developments unfold, fans can anticipate a gripping continuation of Millie’s journey, promising to explore deeper psychological themes and complex character dynamics. Further updates on The Housemaid’s Secret will be provided as the project progresses.
