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Paul Anthony Kelly Joins The Housemaids Secret Cast Ahead of 2027 Release
The upcoming sequel to the 2025 thriller The Housemaid, titled The Housemaid’s Secret, has added a new face to its ensemble: Canadian actor Paul Anthony Kelly. Kelly will portray Douglas Garrick, a billionaire husband who employs Sydney Sweeney’s character, Millie Calloway, as a live‑in housemaid. The role marks Kelly’s first appearance in a feature film.
Kelly is best known for his portrayal of John F. Kennedy Jr. in the first season of FX’s anthology series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. The series, which premiered in 2026, received praise for its historical accuracy and for casting Kelly in a complex role. His transition to the big screen has drawn attention from both fans of the series and industry observers.
The Housemaid’s Secret is directed by Paul Feig, who also helmed the original film. Feig’s involvement signals continuity in tone and style. The sequel is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on December 17, 2027, exactly two years after the first movie’s release. Lionsgate, the studio behind the original, confirmed the date in a March 2026 press release.
The first film, released in December 2025, was a surprise commercial success. With a production budget of $35 million, it earned roughly $400 million worldwide, according to box‑office reports. The movie’s profitability prompted an immediate greenlight for the sequel, which now features a cast that includes Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst, and Kelly.
Dunst joins the project as Wendy Garrick, the billionaire wife of Douglas. Dunst’s career spans more than three decades, and her recent work includes the 2025 drama Roofman and the 2024 thriller Civil War. Her addition to the cast brings a seasoned presence to the ensemble.
The source material for the films is the 2022 novel The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. The book, published by Bookouture, follows a young maid who discovers unsettling secrets in a wealthy Long Island family. McFadden’s series also includes The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid is Watching, as well as a short story titled The Housemaid’s Wedding. While the novels’ narrative arc concludes with the third book, the film adaptations have opened the possibility for further entries.
Industry analysts note that the franchise’s potential is limited by its competition. The Housemaid’s Secret is slated to open against Avengers: Secret Wars, a Marvel Cinematic Universe film that is expected to dominate the box office in December 2027. The timing could affect the sequel’s commercial performance, though no official statements have been made about a possible release‑date shift.
Production for The Housemaid’s Secret has not yet begun. Lionsgate has indicated that filming is expected to start sometime in 2026, but no specific dates have been announced. As a result, the release schedule remains subject to change.
The addition of Paul Anthony Kelly is a notable development for several reasons. First, it marks his debut in a feature film, expanding his career beyond television. Second, his portrayal of a billionaire husband aligns with the film’s exploration of wealth, power, and domestic dynamics, themes that were central to the original movie’s plot. Finally, Kelly’s previous work in Love Story has earned him a dedicated fan base that may bring additional viewers to the theater.
In summary, The Housemaid’s Secret is poised to continue the success of its predecessor with a new cast member, a confirmed release date, and a director who has proven familiarity with the material. While the film faces stiff competition from a major superhero release, its established franchise foundation and the addition of Paul Anthony Kelly provide fresh elements for audiences.
The film’s production timeline, box‑office prospects, and potential for further adaptations remain topics of interest as the industry watches the next chapter in the Housemaid saga unfold.
Kelly is best known for his portrayal of John F. Kennedy Jr. in the first season of FX’s anthology series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. The series, which premiered in 2026, received praise for its historical accuracy and for casting Kelly in a complex role. His transition to the big screen has drawn attention from both fans of the series and industry observers.
The Housemaid’s Secret is directed by Paul Feig, who also helmed the original film. Feig’s involvement signals continuity in tone and style. The sequel is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on December 17, 2027, exactly two years after the first movie’s release. Lionsgate, the studio behind the original, confirmed the date in a March 2026 press release.
The first film, released in December 2025, was a surprise commercial success. With a production budget of $35 million, it earned roughly $400 million worldwide, according to box‑office reports. The movie’s profitability prompted an immediate greenlight for the sequel, which now features a cast that includes Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst, and Kelly.
Dunst joins the project as Wendy Garrick, the billionaire wife of Douglas. Dunst’s career spans more than three decades, and her recent work includes the 2025 drama Roofman and the 2024 thriller Civil War. Her addition to the cast brings a seasoned presence to the ensemble.
The source material for the films is the 2022 novel The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. The book, published by Bookouture, follows a young maid who discovers unsettling secrets in a wealthy Long Island family. McFadden’s series also includes The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid is Watching, as well as a short story titled The Housemaid’s Wedding. While the novels’ narrative arc concludes with the third book, the film adaptations have opened the possibility for further entries.
Industry analysts note that the franchise’s potential is limited by its competition. The Housemaid’s Secret is slated to open against Avengers: Secret Wars, a Marvel Cinematic Universe film that is expected to dominate the box office in December 2027. The timing could affect the sequel’s commercial performance, though no official statements have been made about a possible release‑date shift.
Production for The Housemaid’s Secret has not yet begun. Lionsgate has indicated that filming is expected to start sometime in 2026, but no specific dates have been announced. As a result, the release schedule remains subject to change.
The addition of Paul Anthony Kelly is a notable development for several reasons. First, it marks his debut in a feature film, expanding his career beyond television. Second, his portrayal of a billionaire husband aligns with the film’s exploration of wealth, power, and domestic dynamics, themes that were central to the original movie’s plot. Finally, Kelly’s previous work in Love Story has earned him a dedicated fan base that may bring additional viewers to the theater.
In summary, The Housemaid’s Secret is poised to continue the success of its predecessor with a new cast member, a confirmed release date, and a director who has proven familiarity with the material. While the film faces stiff competition from a major superhero release, its established franchise foundation and the addition of Paul Anthony Kelly provide fresh elements for audiences.
The film’s production timeline, box‑office prospects, and potential for further adaptations remain topics of interest as the industry watches the next chapter in the Housemaid saga unfold.