‘The Housemaid’ Sequel Adds Kirsten Dunst Opposite Sydney Sweeney

EXCLUSIVE: Following the global success of The Housemaid, Lionsgate is not messing around with its upcoming sequel. The studio has set Kirsten Dunst to join Sydney Sweeney in The Housemaid’s Secret, based on Freida McFadden’s second book in her Housemaid series. Paul Feig will return to direct the project, as will producers Todd Lieberman via his Hidden Pictures; Feig, who produces through his Pretty Dangerous Pictures with his partner Laura Fischer; and Sweeney through her Fifty-Fifty Films banner.

Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine, who adapted the first book into last year’s hit film, also returns to write The Housemaid’s Secret. Michele Morrone will return to star as Enzo, reprising his role from the first film. Carly Elter, who oversaw the first movie for Hidden Pictures, is returning as executive producer. Alex Young of Hidden Pictures will also executive produce. Fifty Fifty’s Kaylee McGregor will co-produce.

In The Housemaid’s Secret, Millie (Sweeney) returns, taking a job keeping house for a woman she’s never allowed to see — only to discover the truth behind the locked door that threatens to expose secrets far darker than her own. It’s based on McFadden’s 2023 sequel novel.

“It is a privilege to bring The Housemaid’s next chapter to the screen with Kirsten Dunst. She is an icon. Her career reflects extraordinary range and fearlessness,” said Erin Westerman, president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Opposite the ever-magnetic Sydney Sweeney, she will be an electrifying force in a world where nothing is ever quite as it seems.”

Chelsea Kujawa and Maria Ascanio are overseeing the project for Lionsgate. Robert Melnik negotiated the deal on behalf of the studio.

After opening over the holidays, The Housemaid turned into one of the biggest hits of 2025 grossing nearly $400 million at the global box office. Following its success, Lionsgate moved fast to lock in Sweeney given her schedules, but also knew they needed another A-lister to join Sweeney in sequel. After a handful of meetings, execs and producers couldn’t pass on the opportunity to lock in Dunst, who was in demand following her work in last year’s Roofman.

The Oscar-nominated Dunst recently signed on to star in the sequel to A Minecraft Movie, set for release next June. She will also star in The Entertainment System Is Down, the new film from Palme d’Or winner Ruben Östlund. Her most recent starring roles include Roofman and Civil War.

She is represented by UTA, Entertainment 360 and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox.