Paul Feig Shares How Blake Lively Assisted in Creating The Housemaid

Director Paul Feig has revealed a helpful contribution from his longtime friend, Blake Lively, in shaping his upcoming film The Housemaid. The movie, starring Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway, Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester, and Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester, benefited from Lively's recommendation during casting.

"Blake had recently worked with Brandon and couldnt stop praising his talent," Feig shared at a special New York screening on December 2. "When I met him, I immediately saw what she meant and knew he was perfect for the role."

Brandon Sklenar previously starred as Atlas Corrigan opposite Lively in the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us. Lively's connection extends further: she and Feig also collaborated with Michele Morrone, who plays Enzo in The Housemaid, during Another Simple Favor.

"Reading the role of Enzo, I immediately thought Michele was ideal," Feig said.

Feig became attached to The Housemaid after being inspired by Freida McFadden's novel. He reached out to Lionsgate to direct the adaptation. "I was determined to bring this story to life. Even though I'm known for comedy, I felt this film needed my vision," he explained. "It ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my career."

The director emphasized the story's dark twist, balancing suspense and revelation. "The film tackles serious themes, but the fun comes from the misdirection in the first half and the dramatic revelations in the second," Feig noted.

Feig also highlighted the importance of faithful adaptation and strong casting. "Getting the cast right and translating everything from the book to screen was crucial. Our writer Rebecca Sonnenshine did an outstanding job," he said.

The Housemaid is scheduled for release in theaters on December 19, promising audiences a thrilling story of secrets, revenge, and intrigue, guided by Feigs experience with suspenseful narratives.

Author's Commentary: Blake Lively's Impact on The Housemaid

As I reflect on the development of The Housemaid, it’s clear that Blake Lively’s input was more than a friendly suggestion—it shaped key casting decisions that define the film’s dynamic. Director Paul Feig highlighted how her recommendation led to Brandon Sklenar joining the project, emphasizing the trust and insight within these professional relationships.

Lively’s prior collaborations with Sklenar and Michele Morrone created a network of talent that Feig could confidently draw upon. This synergy between actors and director allowed for casting choices that align closely with the characters’ nuances, enhancing the film’s storytelling fidelity.

Feig’s commitment to translating Freida McFadden’s novel faithfully to screen, while navigating suspense and dramatic revelation, underscores the importance of casting and adaptation. The film’s release on December 19 will test how well these collaborative choices translate into audience engagement, but the early reports suggest a carefully orchestrated and compelling cinematic experience.

Sources:

• Paul Feig Reveals How Blake Lively Helped With Making The Housemaid