
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do movie studios often make sequels? Why? Can you name a recent sequel you watched?
- What makes a movie successful at the box office Is popularity or quality more important?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/
[adjective] – unusual or surprising in a positive way
The movie had a remarkable opening weekend. - consistency /kuhn-SIS-tuhn-see/
[noun] – the quality of staying the same
Consistency helps audiences follow a series. - significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
[adjective] – important or noticeable
Social media played a significant role. - careful /KAIR-fuhl/
[adjective] – done with attention and thought
The studio made a careful decision. - restore /ri-STOR/
[verb] – to bring back to a former condition
The movie helped restore public confidence.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Lionsgate announced on January 6, 2026, that a sequel to the hit movie The Housemaid will begin production later this year after strong box-office results. The sequel, titled The Housemaid’s Secret, is based on the second book in Freida McFadden’s popular trilogy. The decision came less than three weeks after the film’s release, as the movie earned more than $133 million worldwide. The studio said the success showed clear audience interest and strong performance during the busy holiday season.
The original movie was directed by Paul Feig and made on a budget of about $35 million. Industry experts described the earnings as a remarkable outcome, especially for a psychological thriller. Lionsgate stated that the sequel is being planned with the goal of keeping the same main creative team, including Feig and actor Sydney Sweeney, to ensure consistency between films. Executives explained that audience response on social media played a significant role in the decision, as many viewers shared strong reactions and interest in the story’s future. Analysts noted that the studio took a careful approach rather than rushing into production. The movie’s success also helped restore confidence in Sweeney’s box-office appeal after her previous film performed poorly. Experts added that choosing popular genres and controlling costs can help studios reduce risk and build long-term success.
The original movie was directed by Paul Feig and made on a budget of about $35 million. Industry experts described the earnings as a remarkable outcome, especially for a psychological thriller. Lionsgate stated that the sequel is being planned with the goal of keeping the same main creative team, including Feig and actor Sydney Sweeney, to ensure consistency between films. Executives explained that audience response on social media played a significant role in the decision, as many viewers shared strong reactions and interest in the story’s future. Analysts noted that the studio took a careful approach rather than rushing into production. The movie’s success also helped restore confidence in Sweeney’s box-office appeal after her previous film performed poorly. Experts added that choosing popular genres and controlling costs can help studios reduce risk and build long-term success.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who announced the sequel?
- What is the sequel’s title?
- How much did the film earn worldwide?
- Who directed the movie?
- What was the production budget?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have sequels been popular in your area, if so, why? If not, why not?
- What is your favorite movie? Could you tell me about it?
- Should studios focus more on audience reactions?
- Why is budget control important in filmmaking?
- How can one successful movie change an actor’s career?