Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid sequel is upping the ante with more twists and characters. The upcoming sequel, titled The Housemaid’s Secret, will release next year, and the latest update from its creators should have fans excited for an exhilarating ride.

What is the new The Housemaid’s Secret update?

Helen Lee-Kim, Lionsgate’s President of International, has revealed some exciting new details for The Housemaid’s Secret. Speaking to Deadline at Cannes, Lee-Kim revealed that the sequel is also upping the ante with its budget, which has reportedly increased to the $70-80 million range. She also revealed some new details about the film’s story and casting, including the announcement of two new male characters joining the film.

“It’s an expansion of the world from the first film,” said Lee-Kim. “The second book is even twistier and it’ll be a more unexpected movie. It’ll be structured a little differently. We’re aiming to be filming by year’s end. The whole creative team is back, as are Sydney [Sweeney] and Michele Morrone who has a bigger role in the second film. Kirsten [Dunst] is aboard, and then we have two other fun male roles that we’re casting now.”

(Photo Credit: Lionsgate)

The Housemaid was released in December last year to positive reviews and grossed nearly $499 million at the global box office. The film, based on Freida McFadden’s eponymous 2022 novel, follows Millie Calloway (Sweeney), who becomes the live-in maid for a wealthy family while uncovering their secrets. The sequel will adapt the second book, which takes place in a New York penthouse.

The second book’s synopsis reads, “It’s hard to find an employer who doesn’t ask too many questions about my past. So I thank my lucky stars that the Garricks miraculously give me a job, cleaning their stunning penthouse with views across the city and preparing fancy meals in their shiny kitchen. I can work here for a while, stay quiet until I get what I want. It’s almost perfect. But I still haven’t met Mrs. Garrick, or seen inside the guest bedroom. I’m sure I hear her crying. I notice spots of blood around the neck of her white nightgowns when I’m doing laundry. And one day I can’t help but knock on the door. When it gently swings open, what I see inside changes everything…”

A deleted scene from the first film teased the upcoming sequel’s developments. Shortly after the sequel’s announcement, the film added the Oscar-nominated Kirsten Dunst to its cast. Like the first film, The Housemaid’s Secret will be directed by Paul Feig.

The Housemaid’s Secret is set to release on December 17, 2027.