Sydney Sweeney can’t put down her mop and bucket just yet – she’ll soon be tidying up again in a just-announced sequel to her holiday box office smash “The Housemaid.”
“The Housemaid’s Secret,” adapted from the second book in author Freida McFadden’s bestselling trilogy, is set to begin production this year, and has already been in development for several months.
It’s no surprise Lionsgate would greenlight a sequel to the thriller after “The Housemaid” cleaned up at the box office following its Dec. 19 release. It’s already grossed an impressive $133 million worldwide in just its first two and a half weeks — and the number will only go up with international territories rolling out.
“The Housemaid” stars Sweeney — alongside Amanda Seyfried and “It Ends With Us” actor Brandon Sklenar — in a twisted tale of secrets and deception inside a wealthy couple’s seemingly perfect home.
The film held a splashy premiere in Hollywood last month, where Seyfried and Sweeney were attached at the hip.
Lionsgate is already the studio behind juggernauts like “John Wick,” “The Hunger Games” and “Twilight,” so “The Housemaid” is in good company.
“It’s clear from both the global box office and from the outpouring on social media that audiences have responded strongly – and audibly – to the totally unique and truly theatrical experience of ‘The Housemaid,’ and want to know what happens next,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson. “We believed in these stories from the very beginning, and we are beyond excited to bring the next chapter of Millie’s story to life on-screen.”
Director Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids,” “A Simple Favor”) is eyeing a return as director, while Sweeney and “365 Days” alum Michel Morrone are also expected to reprise their roles on screen.
Sweeney will also serve as an executive producer.
“The Housemaid” book series has sold over 12 million units across all titles, with the second book accounting for 4 million in sales. Translated into 40 languages, the book has been a New York Times bestseller for 65 weeks and counting, and won the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller.
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