Lionsgate has announced the casting of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in the upcoming thriller 'The Housemaid,' directed by Paul Feig. This adaptation of Freida McFadden's bestselling novel is set to be a gripping tale of secrets and danger.
The Plot
The story revolves around Millie (played by Sydney Sweeney), a struggling young woman who lands a job as a housemaid for the wealthy couple Nina (played by Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew. However, Millie soon discovers that the family's secrets are far more perilous than her own past.
The screenplay is written by Rebecca Sonnenshine, known for her work on 'The Boys,' and is based on McFadden's hit novel. The book has been a certified phenomenon, spending over a year on the New York Times Bestseller List and selling millions of copies worldwide.
The Cast and Crew
Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in 'Immaculate' and 'Madame Web,' will bring Millie to life. Amanda Seyfried, who has starred in 'Things Heard & Seen' and 'Mamma Mia,' will play the enigmatic Nina. Paul Feig, the director behind 'Bridesmaids,' 'A Simple Favor,' and 'Ghostbusters,' will helm this thriller.
The production team includes Todd Lieberman from Hidden Pictures, alongside Feig and Laura Fischer from Feigco. Sweeney, Seyfried, McFadden, and Alex Young will serve as executive producers.
The Producers' Perspective
Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed his excitement about the project: 'Im thrilled to have The Housemaid join our upcoming slate. A great filmmaker and a great cast with a great script from a great book is a terrific place to start. My prior work experiences with Paul and Amanda have been nothing short of spectacular, and Sydney is as talented and compelling as can be.'
Erin Westerman, co-president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, added: 'Part of the fun of the book was imagining the cast while we read it, and Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are perfect for Millie and Nina theyre both mysterious, nuanced, and incredibly skilled at becoming characters who dont reveal everything right away. Were thrilled to team them with Paul Feig, who we worked with on A Simple Favor and its upcoming sequel, and has a proven track record of developing stories with dynamic female leads.'
Production Details
Carly Kleinbart Elter will oversee the project for Hidden Pictures, while Chelsea Kujawa and Erin Jones-Wesley are overseeing for Lionsgate. Robert Melnik negotiated the deals on behalf of the studio.
The film is set to explore themes of suspense and intrigue, leveraging the atmospheric setting to create a gripping narrative. With its strong female leads and proven director, 'The Housemaid' promises to be a thrilling addition to the thriller genre.
Potential for a Franchise
If 'The Housemaid' is successful, it could pave the way for more adaptations and sequels. The novel has already spawned potential titles like 'The Housemaid's Secret' and 'The Housemaid is Watching,' suggesting a rich universe ripe for exploration.
With its built-in audience from the bestselling novel and the star power of Sweeney and Seyfried, 'The Housemaid' has all the ingredients to become a major thriller franchise.
