Summary (tl;dr)

Paul Feig is trending because Lionsgate has officially greenlit a sequel to his recent box office hit, "The Housemaid," with Feig returning to direct "The Housemaid's Secret," based on the second novel in the popular book series.

Essential Background

Paul Feig is an American filmmaker known for directing successful comedies such such as "Bridesmaids" (2011), "The Heat" (2013), and "Spy" (2015), and the reboot of "Ghostbusters" (2016). In late 2025, Feig directed "The Housemaid," a psychological thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which premiered on December 19, 2025. The film quickly became a commercial success, grossing over $133 million worldwide in its first 17 days against a modest $35 million budget, and generated considerable social media discussion.

The Full Story

Paul Feig is currently trending due to the recent announcement by Lionsgate that a sequel to his film, "The Housemaid," is officially in development. The follow-up movie, titled "The Housemaid's Secret," is based on Freida McFadden's second novel in the bestselling trilogy. Feig is confirmed to return as director for the sequel, and Sydney Sweeney is expected to reprise her starring role as Millie Calloway, with production slated to begin later in 2026. Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine will also return to adapt the script.

Why It Matters

The decision to fast-track "The Housemaid's Secret" reflects the original film's strong audience reception and its impressive global box office performance, particularly during a competitive holiday season. The rapid greenlighting of a sequel indicates Lionsgate's confidence in the franchise and its potential for continued commercial success, capitalizing on the psychological thriller genre and the popular source material. The reunion of Feig, Sweeney, and the original creative team is generating interest among fans who are eager to see the next chapter of Millie's story unfold.

Geographic Location

• Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Lionsgate headquarters, where the sequel announcement was made)