Los Angeles, California — Amanda Seyfried has achieved a significant milestone in her career with the box office success of “The Housemaid,” which has garnered over $374 million globally against a budget of approximately $35 million. While appearing on “The Graham Norton Show,” Seyfried discussed her dual role in the film as both an actor and an executive producer, revealing that her executive producer title came as a surprise to her.
Reflecting on her involvement, Seyfried shared that she had been unaware of her executive producer status until weeks into production. “I saw ‘executive producer’ on the call sheet and thought, ‘I didn’t sign up for that,'” she explained. Upon inquiring with a fellow producer, she learned it was a part of what her agent had negotiated. Seyfried humorously acknowledged the pressure that came with the title, saying, “Well this really better be a hit then.”
The actress admitted that her role as a producer was more about vanity than substantial involvement in the film’s creation. “I didn’t do much to make that movie. I only acted in it,” she confessed. Seyfried contrasted her experience with the intensive work of other producers, like Margot Robbie, highlighting her more lighthearted participation in the film’s production.
“The Housemaid,” based on Freida McFadden’s best-selling novel, features Sydney Sweeney in the lead role as Millie, a young woman fleeing her past. Millie takes on the role of a live-in housemaid for the wealthy couple Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Skelnar), who harbor dangerous secrets.
Recent reports indicate that a sequel is in development, with Lionsgate moving forward on “The Housemaid’s Secret,” which is based on the second book in McFadden’s trilogy. Sweeney and director Paul Feig are set to return, along with screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine, who is adapting the next installment of the story.
Although Seyfried’s character will not appear in the sequel, she has expressed a strong desire to be involved. “No one’s mentioned anything about the sequel, but I would love a cameo,” Seyfried remarked. The sequel shifts focus to Sweeney’s character as she begins working for a different family, prompting Seyfried to consider how her character might interact with this new storyline.
Seyfried hinted at the potential for a cameo, expressing her excitement for the unfolding drama: “I will jump right back into that.” Her eagerness to see how her character’s legacy can be woven into the new story illustrates her deep connection to the role, despite its absence in the sequel.
In addition to her work in front of the camera, Seyfried’s commentary on her surprising producer role reflects the complexities many actors face in balancing their contributions beyond acting. This candid approach reveals the behind-the-scenes dynamics of film production, shedding light on the sometimes unexpected paths actors navigate in their careers.