Los Angeles, Jan 7 (.) Sydney Sweeney is expected to remain a driving force behind “The Housemaid” franchise, with the actor set to executive produce and potentially reprise her lead role in the upcoming sequel, “The Housemaid’s Secret”.
The sequel, adopted from the second novel in Freida McFadden’s bestselling trilogy, is moving forward with Paul Feig returning to direct. While Sweeney has not yet officially signed on to reprise her role as Millie, the studio is keen for her to return following the strong response to the first film. Her involvement as an executive producer has already been secured.
As for Amanda Seyfried, a co-star in The Housemaid, she too has an executive producer credit on the sequel. And her character doesn’t appear in McFadden’s second book, but the possibility of Seyfried appearing in the sequel is still a possibility, The Hollywood Reporter has learned, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
The Hidden Pictures / Pretty Dangerous Pictures production of the sequel follows the box office success of The Housemaid, now in theaters and having earned $75 million domestically and $133 million worldwide with international territories continuing to roll out through January.
Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine, who adapted The Housemaid, will return to adapt the sequel for producers Todd Lieberman, Feig, Laura Fischer, Carly Elter and Alex Young. McFadden will also serve as an executive producer.
“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,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said in a statement.
The follow-up is expected to continue Millie’s story with the same blend of psychological tension and heightened drama that drew audiences to the first chapter.
Feig echoed the same, “It’s been thrilling to see audiences around the world fall in love with The Housemaid and the incredible work of our talented cast and crew. 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.”
The sequel will be overseen by Lionsgate’s Chelsea Kujawa, who also oversaw the first film and brought the project into the studio, alongside Maria Ascanio. Robert Melnik negotiated the deals for Lionsgate.
. . PRP