Sydney Sweeney’s Bold Marketing Move Turns The Housemaid Into a Box Office Sensation
Sydney Sweeney’s creative spark during filming led to a viral marketing moment that changed the game for The Housemaid. Discover how her off-the-cuff idea brought a wave of new fans and set the stage for a blockbuster sequel.
When Sydney Sweeney signed on for The Housemaid, she didn’t just take on a leading role—she helped redefine how the film would connect with audiences. During production, a pivotal scene featured a classic episode of Family Feud. In a flash of inspiration, Sweeney suggested the cast actually appear on Celebrity Family Feud, turning a scripted moment into a real-world event that would soon take the internet by storm.
How a Game Show Appearance Sparked a Viral Wave
Instead of relying on a traditional marketing campaign, Sweeney’s idea brought the cast to the set of Celebrity Family Feud. The result? Clips from their appearance exploded online, racking up 1.5 million views and reframing The Housemaid as more than just a psychological thriller. Suddenly, the film was being talked about as a must-see event, especially among women who might not have been drawn to the genre otherwise.
The familiar, communal vibe of the game show made it the perfect entry point for new viewers. It also reached fans of the original novel who hadn’t heard about the movie adaptation. In France, the film’s positioning as an erotic thriller only added to its allure, broadening its appeal even further.
Young Stars Take Promotion Into Their Own Hands
It’s not just Sweeney making waves with unconventional promotion. Timothée Chalamet has also been making headlines for his hands-on approach to marketing Marty Supreme, showing that younger actors are willing to champion their projects in creative ways. These efforts prove that with the right push, even character-driven dramas can capture the public’s imagination, not just big-budget blockbusters.
Box Office Triumph and Sequel Announcement
The Housemaid, produced on a $35 million budget, has now grossed over $140 million worldwide. Lionsgate has officially greenlit a sequel, which will draw from Freida McFadden’s second book in the trilogy. The film’s cast includes Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins, and Mark Grossman, with Paul Feig directing and Rebecca Sonnenshine penning the screenplay.
Released in theaters across the United States and Canada on December 19, 2025, The Housemaid has earned a 73% critic score and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. With the story’s ending setting up the next chapter, and a built-in fanbase from the novels, the sequel is poised for success if it maintains the same level of execution.
The Housemaid is currently showing in theaters nationwide.