Lionsgate confirmed on January 6, 2026, that a sequel to the psychological thriller The Housemaid will enter production later this year, following strong global box-office performance less than three weeks after release. Titled The Housemaid’s Secret, the project is based on the second novel in Freida McFadden’s bestselling trilogy and reflects the studio’s decision to extend a franchise that has demonstrated rapid commercial traction. The announcement followed the film’s accumulation of more than $133 million worldwide, signaling sustained audience demand during the competitive holiday period and reinforcing confidence in the title’s market viability.

The original film, directed by Paul Feig and produced on a reported $35 million budget, achieved what executives described as an outsized return relative to cost, driven by word-of-mouth momentum and heightened online engagement. Lionsgate indicated that development is proceeding with the intention of retaining core creative leadership, including Feig and lead actor Sydney Sweeney, whose participation would provide continuity across installments. Industry analysts characterized the sequel decision as a deliberate response to audience feedback rather than a reactive move, emphasizing the studio’s calibrated approach to franchise growth. Executives also cited unusually vocal social media discussion as evidence of sustained interest in narrative expansion. The success represents a notable reversal following the underperformance of Sweeney’s previous release, underscoring how strategic genre positioning and controlled production spending can reshape a performer’s commercial profile within a short release window.