Sydney Sweeney’s ‘The Housemaid’ Outshines ‘The Equalizer’ at Box Office
Sydney Sweeney’s steamy thriller ‘The Housemaid’ is closing in on $200 million worldwide, overtaking Denzel Washington’s ‘The Equalizer’ and earning rave reviews. Lionsgate has already greenlit a sequel, ‘The Housemaid’s Secret.’
Sydney Sweeney has made a stunning comeback with her latest film, The Housemaid, which is on track to hit the $200 million milestone at the global box office. After a series of missteps and public criticism over her side ventures last year, Sweeney has found redemption in this unpredictable R-rated thriller. The Housemaid has not only revived her career but also managed to outperform some major titles, including a modern action favorite.
Box Office Triumph and Critical Acclaim
As of January 14, 2026, The Housemaid has grossed $193,212,884 worldwide, edging past Denzel Washington’s 2014 vigilante hit, The Equalizer. That film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, wrapped up its theatrical run just under $193 million, which was enough to launch two sequels and more in the pipeline. While The Housemaid and The Equalizer are worlds apart in style and genre, both center on characters seeking justice against those who have wronged them. One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer summed it up:
Great movie! Sydney [Sweeney] is the avenger we need!
If you’ve seen The Housemaid, you’ll know exactly what that means. By the film’s end, Sweeney’s character steps into a vigilante role reminiscent of Washington’s, though that’s where the similarities stop. The Housemaid boasts Certified Fresh and Verified Hot badges on Rotten Tomatoes, with scores of 73% from critics and 92% from audiences. The Equalizer, while still respected, holds a 61% critic score and 77% from viewers.
Sequel Confirmed: What’s Next for The Housemaid?
Given The Housemaid’s impressive box office numbers, it’s no surprise that a sequel is already in the works. Lionsgate has officially approved The Housemaid’s Secret, based on the second book in Freida McFadden’s trilogy that inspired the films. While it’s still unclear if Amanda Seyfried will join the cast, both Sweeney and Michele Morrone are set to return. Morrone played Enzo Accard, the Italian groundskeeper whose role became crucial after a major plot twist. Paul Feig is back to direct, with Rebecca Sonnenshine writing the script. The official synopsis hasn’t been released yet, but the book’s summary hints at 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 for the sequel, but it’s expected to hit theaters sometime in 2027. For now, The Housemaid is still playing in theaters, with a digital release coming soon.