The Director of The Housemaid Explains How Blake Lively Made the Movie Happen

Paul Feig, the director of The Housemaid, recently revealed how actress Blake Lively, a longtime friend, played a key role in casting the psychological thriller. Based on Freida McFaddens 2022 novel, the movie follows Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar), who hire Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney) as their housemaid.

Blake Livelys Impact on Casting

Feig explained that Lively, who had collaborated with him on A Simple Favor (2018) and its sequel Another Simple Favor (2025), suggested actors for roles in The Housemaid. Speaking at a New York City screening on December 2, Feig said, Blake Lively had just worked with Brandon. She just kept going on and on about how great he is. And I met him and was like, Yes, you are great and I love you.

Brandon Sklenar, who portrays Andrew Winchester, had previously acted alongside Lively in the 2024 drama It Ends With Us. Additionally, Feig worked with Michelle Morrone, who plays Enzo, during Another Simple Favor. Feig mentioned, When I read the part of Enzo, its like, I think this is kind of written for Michele, absolutely.

Directors Passion for the Project

Feig described his enthusiasm for adapting McFaddens book, sharing that he personally reached out to Lionsgate to direct the film. He said, It was just me calling, like, I have to do this movie. I know you think Im a comedy directorI have to do this movie. I know how to do it. And it was one of the best experiences of my life.

The director also admitted feeling pressure to honor the source material, emphasizing the importance of casting and faithfully adapting the story. The biggest thing was getting the cast right and getting our adaptation right. And then just putting on the screen everything thats described in the movie in the best possible way, he noted.

The Housemaid is scheduled to hit theaters on December 19.

Author: Grace Ellison