Actress Sydney Sweeney appears to have turned a significant corner in her Hollywood career, with her latest film project securing a sequel following a surprise box office triumph. The 28-year-old star, who first rose to prominence in HBO's Euphoria, has endured a challenging period marked by commercial disappointments and public relations storms.
A Box Office Lifeline
The thriller The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig, has been given the green light for a follow-up after becoming an unexpected financial success. The film has grossed an impressive $133 million globally in under three weeks, operating from a production budget of just $35 million. Titled The Housemaid's Secret, the sequel will adapt the second book in Freida McFadden's best-selling trilogy.
Industry publication Variety confirms that both Sweeney and director Feig are set to return. Co-star Michele Morrone will also reprise his role, though it remains unclear if Amanda Seyfried will feature in the next instalment. The film's performance, coupled with favourable reviews praising its nostalgic nod to 1980s and '90s thrillers, has provided a much-needed boost to Sweeney's standing in the industry.
Navigating Controversy and Commercial Setbacks
This success arrives after a difficult two-year stretch for Sweeney, which saw her headline several high-profile box office failures. These included the Marvel film Madame Web, Ron Howard's survival thriller Eden, and the biographical sports drama Christy.
Beyond cinematic flops, Sweeney faced significant public backlash last year. A campaign for denim brand American Eagle, featuring the tagline 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans'—a pun on 'great genes'—ignited a fierce online debate. Critics accused the advert of promoting eugenics and white supremacy, while others condemned it as sexist for heavily focusing on Sweeney's physique.
The actress remained silent for months before addressing the furore in an emotional statement last December. 'I was honestly surprised by the reaction,' she said. 'I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true... I’m against hate and divisiveness.' She explained her initial silence, stating she had come to realise it 'widened the divide, not closed it.'
Personal Life and Future Projects
Sweeney's off-screen life has also drawn scrutiny. She reportedly registered as a Republican in Florida in 2024, drawing ire from some progressive circles. Her relationship with music executive Scooter Braun, a figure unpopular with some pop fans due to his past dispute with Taylor Swift and his staunch pro-Israel stance, has also raised eyebrows.
Looking ahead, Sweeney is set to return for the long-awaited third season of Euphoria. She is also rumoured to be attached to a live-action adaptation of the Japanese anime sci-fi franchise, Gundam. The commercial success of The Housemaid and its forthcoming sequel, however, stands as the most concrete sign yet of a professional resurgence for the embattled star.
