Sydney Sweeney is making waves once again, this time with her gripping performance in The Housemaid, a psychological thriller that’s currently captivating audiences in theaters.
Fresh off her critically acclaimed role in Christy, the 28-year-old Emmy nominee is already signaling her enthusiasm for potential sequels.
Her passion for the source material runs deep, and fans of author Freida McFadden’s best-selling novels have reason to celebrate.
Could this be the beginning of a new thriller franchise?
A Passion Project Rooted in Literature
Sweeney’s connection to The Housemaid extends far beyond just accepting another role. In a recent interview with People published Saturday, December 20, she revealed her genuine love for McFadden’s literary work.
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.
The White Lotus star made it crystal clear that she “would love to” return for sequels, should they materialize. This isn’t just promotional talk—Sweeney’s enthusiasm stems from being a reader first, actor second.
Two More Books Are Ready and Waiting
McFadden hasn’t left fans hanging. The prolific author has already penned two follow-up novels that continue Millie’s story:
- The Housemaid’s Secret (2023)
- The Housemaid Is Watching (2024)
Earlier this month, McFadden, 45, expressed her own hopes for bringing these stories to theaters. She told People that seeing the sequels adapted would be “a dream.”
I know [director] Paul Feig would do an amazing job in the sequel. He’s incredible.
With both star and author aligned, along with director Paul Feig’s proven track record, the foundation for future installments appears solid.
What Makes The Housemaid So Compelling
The Housemaid follows Millie (Sweeney), a woman desperate to escape her troubled past. She accepts a live-in housemaid position with the wealthy Winchester couple—Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar).
Initially, everything seems too perfect: a stunning home, generous pay, and anonymity from her past. But as Millie settles into her new role, she uncovers dark secrets lurking beneath the Winchester family’s polished exterior.
A Story Built on Seduction and Scandal
The psychological thriller weaves themes of power, manipulation, and survival into a taut narrative. Sweeney’s portrayal of Millie showcases her range, moving from vulnerability to strength as her character navigates increasingly dangerous territory.
Seyfried brings complexity to Nina, while Sklenar rounds out the triangle as Andrew. Together, they create an atmosphere thick with tension and unpredictability.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses Create Buzz
Sweeney took to Instagram this week to celebrate The Housemaid’s theatrical release with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Her Friday carousel post offered fans a rare peek into production.
The collection included:
- Blood-splattered selfies from set
- Polaroid snapshots with Seyfried
- Group photos featuring the cast
- Candid moments from filming
These intimate glimpses generated significant engagement from fans eager to see more of the film’s creation process. The authentic, unpolished nature of the photos reinforced Sweeney’s genuine investment in the project.
Why Sequels Make Perfect Sense
With two additional books already written and a built-in fanbase from McFadden’s literary success, expanding The Housemaid into a franchise represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition for Lionsgate.
Psychological thrillers have proven remarkably durable at the box office when executed well. Audiences crave intelligent, character-driven suspense that keeps them guessing.
The Star Power Factor
Sweeney’s rising profile adds considerable commercial appeal. Following her breakout roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, she’s become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. Her willingness to commit to multiple installments provides continuity that franchises desperately need.
Director Paul Feig brings credibility and experience with complex female-led narratives. His involvement signals quality and attention to character development rather than cheap thrills.
What Happens Next
Box office performance will ultimately determine whether sequels move forward. However, the enthusiasm from both Sweeney and McFadden, combined with existing source material, positions The Housemaid favorably for expansion.
Fans of the books have been waiting years to see Millie’s story unfold on screen. The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid Is Watching offer rich material that could sustain multiple films while deepening the character’s journey.
For now, audiences can experience the first chapter of what might become a compelling franchise. Sweeney’s commitment to the character, paired with McFadden’s continued literary output, suggests this story has legs far beyond a single film.
The Housemaid is currently playing in theaters nationwide, distributed by Lionsgate. Whether it spawns sequels or stands alone, Sweeney’s performance marks another impressive entry in her increasingly diverse filmography.