Sydney Sweeney’s ‘The Housemaid’ Outpaces ‘The Equalizer’ at Global Box Office
Sydney Sweeney’s latest thriller, ‘The Housemaid’, is closing in on $200 million worldwide, overtaking ‘The Equalizer’ and earning critical acclaim. A sequel is already in the works.
After a run of less-than-stellar releases, Sydney Sweeney has found herself back in the limelight with her latest project, The Housemaid. The film, a rather daring R-rated thriller, is on the verge of hitting the $200 million milestone at the global box office—a figure that not only marks a significant turnaround for Sweeney but also sees her leapfrogging some well-regarded titles along the way.
As of 14 January 2026, The Housemaid has amassed $193,212,884 worldwide, nudging just ahead of Denzel Washington’s 2014 action vehicle, The Equalizer. That film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, wrapped up its theatrical run just shy of $193 million, which was more than enough to justify a pair of sequels. While the two productions couldn’t be further apart in terms of style and subject matter, both centre on individuals determined to see justice done, albeit in their own distinctive fashion. One viewer summed up Sweeney’s performance on Rotten Tomatoes with:
“Great movie! Sydney [Sweeney] is the avenger we need!”
Those familiar with the plot will understand the comparison, as Sweeney’s character takes on a vigilante role not unlike Washington’s, though the similarities more or less end there.
Critical Response and Audience Reaction
The Housemaid has not only drawn crowds but also managed to impress critics and audiences alike. It currently boasts a Certified Fresh status and a Verified Hot badge on Rotten Tomatoes, with scores of 73% from critics and a striking 92% from viewers. The Equalizer, for its part, holds a respectable 61% from critics and 77% from the public, but it hasn’t quite achieved the same level of acclaim. The Housemaid’s unpredictable narrative and Sweeney’s performance have clearly struck a chord, helping to erase memories of her previous, less successful ventures—bath water sales and all.
It’s a proper comeback for Sweeney, who has managed to silence detractors and re-establish herself as a box office draw. The film’s blend of psychological tension and unexpected twists has given it a distinct edge, setting it apart from more conventional thrillers.
Sequel Confirmed: What’s Next for The Housemaid?
Given that The Equalizer’s box office haul was enough to spawn two follow-ups, it’s hardly surprising that The Housemaid’s success has paved the way for a sequel. Lionsgate has already greenlit The Housemaid’s Secret, the next instalment based on Freida McFadden’s trilogy. While there’s no word yet on whether Amanda Seyfried will make an appearance, both Sweeney and Michele Morrone are set to return. Morrone, who played Enzo Accard—the Italian groundskeeper with a pivotal role in the original—will reprise his part. Paul Feig is back in the director’s chair, with Rebecca Sonnenshine handling the script.
Although the official synopsis remains under wraps, the book’s summary offers a glimpse of what’s to come:
“In The Housemaid’s Secret, Millie Calloway takes a job with the wealthy Garricks, only to uncover a chilling web of lies and betrayal. When she’s framed for murder, she must outwit danger and expose the truth in this twist-filled psychological thriller.”
No release date has been announced, but a 2027 premiere seems likely.
Looking Ahead
For now, The Housemaid continues its run in cinemas, with a digital release expected in the near future. Sweeney’s resurgence, fuelled by a film that’s both commercially and critically successful, has set the stage for what could be a rather interesting franchise. Audiences can catch the original on the big screen while anticipation builds for the next chapter in Millie Calloway’s story.