Sydney Sweeney’s Clever Twist Sends The Housemaid Viral

When Sydney Sweeney signed on for The Housemaid, she did more than simply take the lead role. During a particularly fraught scene involving an old Family Feud episode, Sweeney had a flash of inspiration. Rather than leaving the moment on the cutting room floor, she suggested the cast actually appear on Celebrity Family Feud. This off-the-cuff idea, not part of any grand marketing plan, would soon prove to be a masterstroke.

Instead of relying on the usual studio-driven campaigns, Sweeney’s suggestion brought a sense of spontaneity and authenticity. The cast’s appearance on the game show quickly caught fire online, with clips racking up 1.5 million views. Suddenly, The Housemaid was no longer just another psychological thriller; it had become a talking point, especially among women who might not have been the film’s initial target audience.

Unexpected Appeal: Drawing in New Audiences

The Family Feud stunt did more than generate buzz. It reframed the film as a communal event, making it accessible to viewers who might have otherwise overlooked it. The familiar setting of a game show, coupled with the cast’s genuine chemistry, created a bridge for those who weren’t necessarily fans of crime thrillers. It also managed to reach readers of the original novel who hadn’t realised the adaptation was out.

In France, the film was pitched as an erotic thriller, which only broadened its appeal. The viral moment on Celebrity Family Feud, meanwhile, gave the film a distinctly female-friendly reputation. It’s a rare case of a marketing move that felt organic rather than manufactured, and it paid off handsomely at the box office.

Box Office Triumph and Sequel on the Horizon

With a production budget of $35 million, The Housemaid has now taken in over $140 million worldwide. Lionsgate wasted no time confirming a follow-up, which will draw from Freida McFadden’s second novel in the trilogy. The cast, led by Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, is set to return, with Paul Feig directing and Rebecca Sonnenshine handling the screenplay.

The film’s critical reception has been strong, with a 73% score from critics and a 92% audience rating. The theatrical release, which began in the United States and Canada on 19 December 2025, has been met with packed cinemas and enthusiastic word of mouth. The built-in fanbase from the books, combined with the film’s viral marketing, suggests the sequel is likely to draw similar crowds—provided it maintains the same level of execution.

Behind the Scenes: Cast, Crew, and Reception

The Housemaid’s ensemble includes Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins, and Mark Grossman, with production handled by Hidden Pictures and distribution by Lionsgate. The adaptation remains faithful to McFadden’s 2022 novel, blending psychological tension with moments of dark humour and unexpected warmth.

As for Sweeney’s character, the film’s ending leaves her future wide open, setting the stage for the next instalment. The Housemaid is currently showing in cinemas across the US, and with its viral success, it’s become one of the year’s most talked-about releases. Not bad for a film that started with a simple idea on a game show set.