Building on its strong December 19 opening—which revived Freida McFadden's book series—a viral Celebrity Family Feud appearance by Sydney Sweeney and the cast has driven The Housemaid to over $140 million globally. Paul Feig's thriller, targeting female audiences like 1990s hits, shows mid-budget viability with projections up to $275 million.
During a tense scene shoot in early 2025, Sydney Sweeney suggested the cast appear on Celebrity Family Feud, an idea quickly greenlit by Lionsgate for the December 4 ABC episode. Joining Sweeney were co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Amanda Seyfried, plus director Paul Feig. The episode went viral, amassing 1.5 million video views initially per Talkwalker.
This promotion amplified the film's momentum after its solid debut and the bestseller resurgence of the novel and sequels. In its fourth weekend, The Housemaid held second domestically behind Avatar: Fire and Ash, dropping just 1%—the best among wide releases. International expansion includes Germany on January 15 and South Korea on January 28. Globally at $140 million (versus $35 million budget), France alone hit $18 million positioned as an erotic thriller, with totals possibly exceeding U.S. figures. Projections: $225-275 million.
Lionsgate's Adam Fogelson lauded Sweeney's savvy: "Sydney understands her brand... her willingness to go on 'Celebrity Family Feud' should not be treated lightly." It's Fogelson's third hit, after The Long Walk and Now You See Me: Now You Don't. Feig reiterated the female audience potential: "Hollywood... don't think women will show up and they're wrong."
A sequel is developing with four key roles pending contracts. Fogelson eyes untapped female-driven stories akin to Fifty Shades, aided by Lionsgate's efficient $100 million overhead versus majors' blockbusters.
