The Housemaid Author Freida McFadden Reveals One Wish for Sequel Movie

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We haven’t seen the last of Millie Calloway.

After the huge popularity of The Housemaid film, Sydney Sweeney will return as the main character in a new movie based on Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid’s Secret. Michele Morrone will also be back, and Paul Feig is directing again. While the author is confident the story is in capable hands, she hopes to see what Nina Winchester is doing in the sequel.

In an interview with TopMob News, McFadden expressed hope that Amanda Seyfried might make a brief appearance in the movie, if her schedule allows. He said she was a standout performer in the original and he’d be thrilled to have her involved in any capacity, even a small role.

Although Amanda’s character, Nina Winchester, doesn’t appear in the later books featuring Millie and Enzo (Morrone) – including the short story ‘The Housemaid’s Wedding’ and ‘The Housemaid Is Watching’ – author McFadden hadn’t initially planned to continue the series beyond the first book.

Even though the author left the ending of The Housemaid open for a potential sequel, she’s said she generally prefers not to write them, even though many readers have asked her to.

I generally avoid doing this because I worry it will reveal too much of the plot,” McFadden said. “But I thought in this instance, I could write it without spoiling anything. I could simply present it as a continuation of Millie’s story.”

In addition to believing the story worked well independently, the author also shared a personal connection, saying they felt deeply attached to the character Millie and weren’t ready for the story to end.

It’s easy to see why Millie is a special character for McFadden, as they’ve been developing her story for years. He actually first came up with the idea for Dear Debbie back in 2019.

She remembered that the first draft was more intense than her usual work, which changed how she normally writes. Usually, she shares her writing with her mother, but she worried this piece would frighten her. Because of that, she put the book aside, unsure if she’d ever finish it or release it to the public.

A few years later, McFadden got the chance to publish a book with eBook publisher Bookouture. After jokingly telling friends she didn’t even trust her mother’s feedback on the first draft of The Housemaid, she submitted it anyway, and it became a success.

All these years later, it’s so baffling for her that the book took off in the way it did.

She admitted she hadn’t anticipated much success. She figured being with a publisher might help her book perform slightly better than her previous ones. But the actual results were far beyond anything she could have imagined.

When she finally visited the set of The Housemaid, which is now available to rent or buy digitally, she couldn’t help but think about the long road the film had taken to get there.

I was so moved when I met Sydney Sweeney that I actually started to cry. It was incredibly emotional to finally see Millie – a character I’d spent so much time developing – come to life, and Sydney was incredibly kind and sweet. She gave me a hug and just seemed like a genuinely lovely person.

McFadden and her fans won’t have to wait long to see Millie – and Morrone as Enzo – return in the next installment. In the meantime, here’s a look at other books being made into movies and TV shows this year and in the future…

The upcoming Apple TV+ series is based on Laura Dave’s novel, The First Time I Saw Him, which will be available for purchase on January 6, 2026. The series stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson, and will premiere on February 20, 2026.

Season two of the popular Apple series picks up with Hannah Hall (Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Rice) five years after the disappearance of Owen (Coster-Waldau), Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father. They’ve begun to build a new life, but their past comes back to haunt them when Owen unexpectedly reappears just before a devastating family event. This sets off a dangerous chain of events, forcing Hannah and Bailey to fight for their survival.

Based On: Julia Quinn‘s 2001 Bridgerton novel An Offer From A Gentleman

The show stars Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: Part One: January 29, 2026; Part Two: February, 26, 2026, on Netflix

Fans will be thrilled to see Benedict Bridgerton finally find love in the next season after spending three seasons searching for his place in his family and understanding who he is. Joining the cast as his love interest, Sophie Baek, is newcomer Ha.

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: In theaters February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

We’re thrilled to announce a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights! Director Emerald Fennell, who brought us Saltburn, is working again with stars Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan to reimagine the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff in a way we haven’t seen before.

This film is based on the 2022 novel by Hoover. The movie stars Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, and Nicholas Duvernay. It will be released in theaters on February 13, 2026. The story follows Kenna, who returns to her hometown after five years hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She unexpectedly finds support from a local bar owner who offers her a second chance. Notably, the author of the bestselling novel also co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine, making this adaptation particularly special.

This new series is based on the hugely popular books by Patricia Cornwell, which currently number 26. The show stars Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jake Cannavale. It will premiere on Prime Video on March 11, 2026. We’re especially excited because Nicole Kidman is known for starring in captivating shows based on books – like Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing. Plus, the series features two Oscar-winning actresses playing crime-fighting sisters, making it a strong contender for our favorite new show of the year.

 

Based On: Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: In theaters March 20, 2026

We’re thrilled about this new project! Ryan Gosling has played an astronaut before, but this time, he’s the only survivor of a mission to a distant star system, Tau Ceti—over 12 light-years away. Waking from a coma, he has to finish the mission himself: fix a problem that’s causing the sun to dim and prevent humanity from going extinct. No big deal, right?

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

The series will debut on Apple TV on April 15, 2026. We’re particularly excited because of the casting of Nicole Kidman! The show is based on a fantastic book about a woman who navigates single motherhood and turns to OnlyFans, and with Kidman on board, it’s quickly become a top priority to watch. The eight-episode limited series promises a compelling story.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

We’re thrilled about this project, especially with Anne, Dakota, and Josh on board! The story—about a writer taking over a popular book series after the original author has an accident—is full of unexpected turns. Having these talented actors bring it to the screen makes it even more exciting.

Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey King

Premieres: In theaters September 18, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited sequel! Almost thirty years after the first film, this new story – based on a novel by Joe Hoffman – follows Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet as they grapple with a family curse that now affects their daughters and granddaughters.

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

The film stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes. It will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lionsgate is making a movie about Haymitch Abernathy’s life! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next Collins book. The film will cover Haymitch’s story during the 50th Hunger Games, showing how he won and became the mentor we know from The Hunger Games – the one who guided Katniss and Peeta.

 

This movie is based on Ali Hazelwood’s popular 2021 novel. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a film adaptation of the fake dating romance that became a huge hit on TikTok. What makes this project especially interesting? Tom Bateman is married to Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in Star Wars—the story that originally inspired the novel as fanfiction about Rey and Kylo Ren. With that connection and Reinhart on board, it’s a pairing that’s sure to generate buzz!

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel, this Apple TV+ series starring Juno Temple centers around Lauren, a woman who comes home one day to find a husband she’s never met. Soon, a series of different husbands start appearing, all seemingly coming from her attic! The story follows Lauren as she tries to understand this strange situation, figure out what she truly wants in life, and ultimately take control of her own destiny.

This new series is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel and stars Jennifer Garner. It’s coming soon to Peacock! Hilderbrand is known for her captivating Nantucket stories, and pairing her work with a star like Garner makes this show a must-watch. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose life is shaken up by a personal tragedy. To cope, she plans a special weekend getaway with her best friends, but things quickly unravel as hidden tensions and secrets come to light. Consider us hooked!

Adapted from Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel, a new animated series is coming to Netflix! Fans have waited over a decade for this retelling of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s perspective, and it promises a fresh take on the beloved story. Get ready to see a sparkling, animated version of the iconic vampire – it’s sure to be a hit!

This upcoming Apple TV series is based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 novel and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The story follows a young woman who returns to a life of scams, mirroring her upbringing, in an effort to build a secure future. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch!

Based On: Emily Henry‘s 2024 novel

Starring: TBD

Premieres: TBD on Netflix

We’re looking forward to the upcoming adaptation of a popular 2024 novel! It follows Daphne as she rebuilds her life after her fiancé, Peter, leaves her for his childhood friend, Petra. Luckily, Daphne gets some help from Petra’s ex, Miles.

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2026-02-05 00:18