Following the massive box office splash of The Housemaid this past December, Lionsgate is officially fast-tracking the sequel. But as every Freida McFadden fan knows, The Housemaid’s Secret (often called The Housekeeper 2 by fans) presents a unique challenge for Director Paul Feig: How do you film a secret that relies on what the reader can’t see?
If the first film was a masterclass in claustrophobic tension, the sequel is a psychological hall of mirrors. Here are our top theories on how the 2026 adaptation will handle the book’s jaw-dropping finale.
1. The “Invisible Wife” Problem
In the novel, Millie (Sydney Sweeney) is forbidden from entering the bedroom of Wendy Garrick. For a huge chunk of the story, Wendy is just a voice—crying, whispering, and haunting the hallway.
- The Theory: To keep the audience guessing, the film might use “subjective framing.” We’ll see glimpses of a woman in the shadows, but the camera will likely avoid a clear face-to-face shot for the first act. This builds the “damsel in distress” trope perfectly… right before the rug is pulled out from under us.
2. The Great “Douglas vs. Wendy” Flip
The brilliance of the story is the 180-degree turn: Douglas Garrick goes from the “perfect, protective husband” to a victim, while Wendy transforms from “abused recluse” to a calculated mastermind.
- The Big Screen Adaptation: Look for the film to use unreliable flashbacks. We’ll likely see “what Millie thinks is happening” (the abuse) contrasted with “what is actually happening” once the truth is revealed. It’s the kind of high-stakes acting duel that awards season loves.
3. Expanding the “Enzo” Factor
Let’s be real: the chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Michele Morrone (Enzo) was a highlight of the first movie. While Enzo is a background character in the second book, Hollywood won’t leave that much “eye candy” on the sidelines.
- Our Prediction: Expect Enzo to have a more active role in the finale. Instead of Millie handling the “cleanup” alone, we suspect Enzo will arrive to help her navigate the fallout of the Garrick penthouse, setting them up as a “vigilante duo” for a potential third film.
The Dream Cast: Who are the Garricks?
To make this sequel work, the casting for Douglas and Wendy needs to be flawless. Here is who we think should face off against Sydney Sweeney:
- RoleTop PickWhy?Douglas GarrickPenn BadgleyHe’s the king of the “is he a nice guy or a creep?” vibe (see: YOU). He can play charming and terrified simultaneously.Wendy GarrickSamara WeavingShe has incredible range—she can play the “fragile victim” one second and “total badass/villain” the next (see: Ready or Not).
| Role | Best Choice | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas Garrick | Penn Badgley | He perfectly embodies mystery: is he kind or unsettling? (cf.: YOU). He can be both charming and terrified. |
| Wendy Garrick | Samara Weaving | She has an incredible acting range: she can play the fragile victim one moment and the ruthless villain the next (cf.: Ready or Not). |
Why this casting works:
Penn Badgley brings that “is-he-or-isn’t-he” energy that is vital for the first two acts of the film.
Samara Weaving is the queen of the psychological thriller genre; she can play “scared” and “scary” better than almost anyone in Hollywood right now.






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