Sydney Sweeney is starring in ‘The Custom of the Country.’
It’s an adaptation of Edith Wharton’s classic novel.
‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Josie Rourke will direct.
After a rough stretch of controversial commercials and some box office flops, are things looking up for Sydney Sweeney? Could be!
Hot on the heels of ‘The Housemaid’ doing good business at the box office (and spawning a sequel in ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’) comes word of Sweeney landing another novel adaptation gig via ‘The Custom of the Country,’ which will be based on Edith Wharton‘s 1913 book.
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Sweeney will play Undine, described as “a fiercely ambitious woman from the Midwest who strives for the social heights of turn-of-the-century New York. Armed with beauty, daring/hustle and sheer force of will/unwavering ambition, she battles an entrenched elite, fearlessly courting controversy, until love and fortune align.”
‘The Custom of the Country’: the director speaks
(L to R) Sydney Sweeney and director David Michôd in ‘Christy’. Photo: Black Bear Pictures.
Here’s Rourke on the movie:
“Undine Spragg is the original dangerous woman. Edith Wharton’s character has forever fascinated, seduced and infuriated readers. ‘The Custom of the Country’ was Wharton’s great American novel and Undine Spragg sweeps across America and through Europe at top speed, during a time of immense economic and social change. The book whistles with modernity and as I was writing this adaptation, Sydney Sweeney lived in my head as this iconic character — it’s as if Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her. I’m thrilled to be working with this luminous actor, Charles Finch, Alison Owen and StudioCanal to bring this novel to the screen.”
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Preview:
The sequel to ‘The Housemaid’ is scheduled to shoot this year.
Star Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig are both in talks to return.
It’ll once again adapt a Freida McFadden book.
Aiming to strike while the iron is hot and people are still talking about the first movie, Lionsgate has quickly given the thumbs up for a sequel to psychological thriller ‘The Housemaid,’ which has been doing solid business at the box office since December 19 (to be exact: $75 million domestically in its first 17 days of release and $133 million worldwide, with more countries still to come).
(L to R) Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Trying to escape her past, Millie Calloway Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar).
But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous—a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power.
‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ will see Millie working for another family that –– surprise, surprise! –– harbors some dark secrets. We suppose there wouldn’t really be a movie if they didn’t.
Returning screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine has been at work on the new script, which Feig should be filming this year. And with a third book already on shelves (“The Housemaid is Watching”), we can expect more if the sequel does well.
‘The Housemaid’s Secret’: the studio and director talk
(L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
Here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson on the decision to kickstart the sequel:
“It’s clear from both the global box office and from the outpouring on social media that audiences have responded strongly – and audibly – to the totally unique and truly theatrical experience of ‘The Housemaid’ and want to know what happens next. We believed in these stories from the very beginning, and we are beyond excited to bring the next chapter of Millie’s story to life on-screen in collaboration with our outstanding creative partners Todd, Paul, Laura, Carly, Alex, and Sydney. ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ is another wildly thrilling book in Freida’s series that has captivated readers worldwide, and we look forward to translating it into a similarly rousing and riotous moviegoing experience.”
And here’s Feig on the sequel:
“It’s been thrilling to see audiences around the world fall in love with The Housemaid and the incredible work of our talented cast and crew. We’re lucky that Freida McFadden has already extended Millie’s journey on the page, and that we get to work with Rebecca Sonnenshine and Lionsgate to bring this next story to audiences.”
When will ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate has yet to confirm when the new movie might be on screens, but we’d guess it could be ready for 2027 at the latest.
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ won the weekend’s box office again.
‘Marty Supreme’ nabbed third place.
‘Song Sung Blue’ and ‘Anaconda’ also debuted.
As we’ve learned before with ‘Avatar’ movies, it’s not necessarily the launch, it’s the hold. A key phrase among the films’ Na’vi characters is “I see you,” and audiences certainly came out to see the third entry, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ with the title staying top of the box office for a second weekend.
Across the Christmas holiday weekend, James Cameron’s latest took in a solid $64 million over the traditional weekend and $88 million since the Christmas holiday on Thursday.
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That three-day earning marks a 28% decline from its $89 million launch, a stronger hold than 2022’s ‘The Way of Water’ managed.
As mentioned above, the third entry is holding on well. So far, it has earned more than $217.7 million domestically and shows little sign of slowing down.
Worldwide, thanks to strong business in places such as China, the movie has now crossed $760 million, indicating that it should at the very least pass the $1 billion mark. Will it push past $2 billion like its predecessors? That’s trickier to predict.
Still, while some may deride the franchise for having little cultural impact, crowds certainly turn out for it.
What else happened at the box office this weekend?
Timothée Chalamet in ‘Marty Supreme’. Photo: A24.
There was also good news for star Timothée Chalamet and director Josh Safdie, as ‘Marty Supreme’, which expanded and enjoyed the best numbers among “newcomers” in third place with $17.4 million from 2,600 theaters over the weekend and $27.1 million through the four-day holiday frame.
Domestic ticket sales stand at $28.3 million after a weekend in limited release. The three-day figure marks the second-biggest opening weekend to date for A24.
Still, second was Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2,’ which has been one of the year’s success stories. The animated sequel took in $20 million over the weekend and $25.2 million since Christmas Day. In total worldwide, it has now earned $1.42 billion.
Fourth was ‘The Housemaid’ with $15.4 million for the weekend, ahead of new arrival ‘Anaconda’ in sixth. The action comedy, which features Paul Rudd and Jack Black, made $14.6 million over the weekend and has taken $23.7 million since Christmas. The movie also opened internationally with $20 million for a global start of $43.7 million.
Also new to the charts was ‘Song Sung Blue,’ which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the based-on-truth tale of Neil Diamond tribute musicians. That earned $7.6 million over the weekend in eighth place and $12 million through the four-day holiday frame.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ won the weekend’s box office.
James Cameron’s latest earned $345 globally.
Angel Studios’ David took second place.
Once again, it’s James Cameron’s world, and we’re just living in it.
The filmmaker’s latest trip to the moon of Pandora, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ heated up the frosty box office, opening top of the charts with $88 million.
And while that figure puts it behind the launch of 2022’s predecessor ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ it’s never in the opening that ‘Avatar’ movies really perform, and this new franchise entry is likely to hang around the charts, hoovering up cash.
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The new movie also represents some hefty figures for the filmmaker in particular, representing his biggest global launch (more on that below) and the second-biggest start for a movie this year (squeezed in between fellow Disney stablemates ‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch.’)
Overseas, the new ‘Avatar’ entry took in $257 million, leading to a global launch of $345 million. That is, as mentioned, the best international start for a Cameron movie.
According to Cameron himself, the movie needs to perform in order for him to keep making ‘Avatar’ films:
“It is one metric f**k ton of money, which means we have to make two metric f**k tons of money to make a profit. I have no doubt in my mind that this movie will make money. The question is, does it make enough money to justify doing it again?”
Now, we wait to see what sort of staying power ‘Fire and Ash’ displays…
What else happened at the box office this weekend?
‘David.’ Photo: Angel Studios.
With a big-screen Goliath dominating the chance, it seems somehow fitting that faith-based outfit Angel Studios chose to release ‘David,’ a kid-friendly story inspired by the Biblical tale of the warrior who took on the giant, and spun-off from TV series ‘Young David.’
The movie made $22 million on 3,118 screens, arriving in second place and marking the best three-day opening for Angel.
In fifth place was ‘Zootopia 2’, which is still doing great business. It added $14.5 million in its fourth weekend on release, tallying $282 million domestically to date and a massive $1.27 billion globally, making it the most successful Hollywood release of the year so far.
Finally, opening 10th, Timothée Chalamet-starrer ‘Marty Supreme’ made an impressive debut in limited release, earning $875,000. That doesn’t sound much until you remember it opened on just six screens ahead of an expansion planned for Christmas Day.
That represents $145,933 per theater — the best of the year and highest average since ‘La La Land’ in 2016, according to studio A24.
Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Preview:
Amanda Seyfried is attached to star in ‘Skinny Dip.’
It’ll adapt the Carl Hiaasen novel.
Bill Lawrence, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis are aboard to produce.
When a project has been tried by at least two companies beforehand, you start to wonder whether it’ll ever see the light of day. Yet ‘Skinny Dip,’ adapted from Carl Hiaasen’s novel, is still swimming away in development.
And there is some positive forward movement on this one, as Amanda Seyfried is now attached to star.
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The nascent series currently has a home at Amazon, with ‘Once Upon a Time’ duo Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis aboard to write and executive producer, while Bill Lawrence –– no stranger to Hiaasen’s work following his successful adaptation of the writer’s ‘Bad Monkey’ for Apple –– producing via his Doozer production company.
More on the series’ difficult development journey is lower down the page…
(L to R): Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried in ‘Jennifer’s Body’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
Assuming it makes it to screens this time, Seyfried would play Joey Perrone, whose second anniversary didn’t go quite as planned.
She expected earrings, but instead, her marine scientist husband Chaz had alternate plans. After unexpectedly finding herself on the other side of those plans (he pushes her off a cruise liner!), she vows to get revenge.
Teaming up with a disgraced ex-cop, Joey sets out to make Chaz pay.
What has happened with ‘Skinny Dip’ so far?
Michael Keaton in the documentary ‘Clemente’. Photo: Mtuckman Media.
A year later, Quibi took a crack, also to no avail. Then, earlier this year, HBO/Max was developing the series with Horowitz, Kitsis and Lawrence attached, but ultimately passed.
While you might guess Apple would be next up to try its hand (given the Hiaasen/Lawrence/‘Bad Monkey’ history, it has actually landed at Amazon.
(L to R) Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Too often these days, a trailer for a new movie sells you a different experience than the one you eventually end up seeing – making something darker look funnier than it is, for example. There’s no such problem with ‘The Housemaid’: based on the best-selling novel by Freida McFadden, director Paul Feig’s adaptation is exactly what it promises: a campy, twisty psychological thriller, laced with laughs and a narrative that almost makes fun of itself – until it doesn’t.
Feig – who seems to find his best groove lately with potboilers like this and ‘A Simple Favor’ – navigates the story’s twists and turns mostly successfully, aided by his trio of lead performers. While the film’s third act spins off the rails a bit in terms of tone and control, it still manages to be entertaining, with a crowd-pleaser of an ending that will send audiences out satiated.
Story and Direction
(L to R): Sydney Sweeney as Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney) applies for a job as a live-in housemaid with Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried), a seemingly pleasant if high-strung homemaker who lives in her extravagant Long Island mansion with her rather cheeky daughter Cici (Indiana Elle) and handsome, charming, and effortlessly attentive husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar).
Millie, despite lying about her background and hiding the fact that she’s sleeping in her car and on parole after serving 10 years in prison, gets the job – only to find out once she starts that Nina is hiding a few secrets of her own, including the fact that she spent nine months in a psych ward for reasons revealed much later. Right off the part, Nina’s mood swings and capriciously cruel treatment of Millie indicate that something is wrong, along with the suspicious behavior of the groundskeeper, Enzo (Michele Morrone, from Netflix’s ‘365 Days’ sexathons). Luckily, Andrew is there to comfort Millie – even if his lingering glances indicate that he wants more than that.
(L to R) Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
For much of its first two-thirds, ‘The Housemaid’ follows a seemingly conventional narrative almost to a fault, but the go-for-broke performances from its leads, precision needle drops, and Feig’s skillful balancing act of camp and psychological cat-and-mouse keep it thoroughly engaging. The world of wealth and privilege that the Winchesters inhabit is also roasted quite handily, thanks to Andrew’s almost ridiculously snooty mother (Elizabeth Perkins) and the local housewives, who at one point gossip about Nina after she leaves the room – even though Millie, who is all but invisible to them, is still there and can hear everything.
‘The Housemaid’ becomes predictable enough at a certain point that it almost screams that a twist is coming – one that is more or less telegraphed – and when that rug-pull is revealed, the movie tumbles into some surprisingly darker territory. It’s in the final third that Feig and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine lose some of their grip on the material, diverging a bit from the book and stretching things out a bit too long with one betrayal or turnaround after another. Yet ‘The Housemaid’ still wraps up nicely, its conclusion both satisfying and leaving the door open for a continuation (McFadden did write two follow-up novels).
Cast and Performances
(L to R): Amanda Seyfried as Nina and Sydney Sweeney as Millie in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
‘The Housemaid’ opens one week before ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ also starring Amanda Seyfried, and you’re not likely to see two more different performances in theaters this year. That’s a compliment to the immense range of Seyfried, who plays Nina as an unpredictable weather pattern whose next ferocious storm will be followed just as quickly by a brief ray of sunshine. She keeps the audience off-balance throughout with a broad-strokes, jangling energy and does pampered housewife just as well as she does colonial religious leader.
Sweeney is more low-key as a counterpoint, and a bit more limited in her range here than in her underrated ‘Christy’ from earlier this fall, but her seemingly submissive surface seethes subtly with a coiled watchfulness and smirking sense of play. As Andrew, Brandon Sklenar has the necessary physical presence to sell the character’s in-your-face masculinity, but otherwise his initial blandness comes across almost as a parody yet suits the contours of his character.
Final Thoughts
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
‘The Housemaid’ may feel at times like one of those lightly erotic true-crime dramas that are the stock-in-trade of Netflix (and there is a smattering of sultry scenes here), but Paul Feig and his leading ladies give it a cinematic gloss and a sense of satire that may often elude that oversaturated genre.
Playful and fun at some points, unnervingly dark at others, ‘The Housemaid’ might end up being what some grownups want for date night at the movies this holiday season instead of talking Disney animals or the blue cat people of Pandora (not that there’s anything wrong with those, of course). At a time when pulpy, provocative, adult-oriented movies are harder to find, ‘The Housemaid’ may be just the help you’re looking for.
‘The Housemaid’ receives a score of 80 out of 100.
Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
What is the plot of ‘The Housemaid’?
When Millie Calloway takes a job as live-in housemaid to the wealthy yet moody Nina Winchester and her attractive, charming husband Andrew, it’s only a matter of time before dark secrets, bizarre occurrences, and hidden passions erupt in the Winchesters’ seemingly perfect lives.
Who is in the cast of ‘The Housemaid’?
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway
Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester
Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester
Michele Morrone as Enzo
Elizabeth Perkins as Evelyn Winchester
Indiana Elle as Cecilia Winchester
Megan Ferguson as Jilianne
Ellen Tamaki as Patrice
‘The Housemaid’ opens in theaters on December 19th.
Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming in November and December of 2025, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.
Cast out from his clan, a young Predator finds an unlikely ally in a damaged android (Elle Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and her little brother Elliot (Elias Janssen) journey into the wildly absurd landscape of their own dreams to ask the Sandman to grant them the perfect family.
Sydney Sweeney in ‘Christy’. Photo: Black Bear Pictures.
Christy Martin (Sydney Sweeney) never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia—until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim (Ben Foster). But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it—confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death.
Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring in ‘Nuremberg’. Photo: Scott Garfield. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
In postwar Germany, an American psychiatrist must determine whether Nazi prisoners are fit to go on trial for war crimes, and finds himself in a complex battle of intellect and ethics with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man.
(L to R) Alexandra Daddario as Hannah and Cole Sprouse as Thomas in ‘I Wish You All The Best’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
In this refreshingly modern coming-of-age story based on the best-selling book by Mason Deaver, a high school junior (Corey Fogelmanis) comes out as nonbinary and is thrown out of their family’s home. With nowhere else to turn, they move in with their estranged older sister (Alexandra Daddario) and her husband (Cole Sprouse). After enrolling in a new school, they find support from an eccentric art teacher (Lena Dunham) and form an unexpected bond with a kindhearted student (Miles Gutierrez-Riley). With the help of their new relationships, they navigate the awkward hurdles of young adulthood in this sweetly funny journey of self-discovery that celebrates the power of being true to yourself.
Stellan Skarsgård in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
Sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. When Nora turns it down, she soon discovers he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star (Elle Fanning).
(L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in ‘Die My Love’. Photo Mubi.
Grace (Jennifer Lawrence) and Jackson (Robert Pattinson) move into an old house deep in the country. With ambitions to write The Great American Novel, Grace settles into her new environment, and the couple soon welcome a child. However, with Jackson frequently – and suspiciously – absent, and the pressures of domestic life starting to weigh on her, Grace begins to unravel, leaving a path of destruction in her wake.
Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures’ “The Running Man’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.
(L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Ariana Greenblatt as June, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Dave Franco as Jack Wilder in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
The Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher) return along with a new generation of illusionists performing mind-melding twists, turns, surprises, and magic unlike anything ever captured on film.
(L to R) Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.
Liz (Tatiana Maslany) and Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland) escape for a romantic anniversary weekend at a secluded cabin. When Malcolm suddenly returns to the city, Liz finds herself isolated and in the presence of an unspeakable evil that reveals the cabin’s horrifying secrets.
Follows Bobby Sanders (Tom Blyth), an ex-pro-hockey-player-turned-junior-banker as he navigates the peculiar and somewhat surreal world of high finance and faces life’s meaning within this gilded cage.
Based on extensive research involving law enforcement and gang members, a never-before-seen, authentic look inside the underworld of fentanyl trafficking from gangs inside the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester a.k.a. “Big Mac.”
(L to R) Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller and Callum Turner in ‘Eternity’. Photo: A24.
In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.
Mischa Barton as “Miranda Green” in the mystery thriller ‘Murder at the Embassy’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
When a private detective (Mischa Barton) is called to investigate a suspicious murder inside Cairo’s seemingly impenetrable British Embassy, she discovers a second crime has been committed that could spark war across the globe. Everyone within the walls of the embassy is a suspect, but the ultimate evil force is lurking right around the corner.
A father and his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco. They’re searching for Mar — daughter and sister — who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. Surrounded by electronic music and a raw, unfamiliar sense of freedom, they hand out her photo again and again. Hope is fading but they push through and follow a group of ravers heading to one last party in the desert. As they venture deeper into the burning wilderness, the journey forces them to confront their own limits.
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Set in the Land of Oz, before and after Dorothy Gale’s arrival from Kansas, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda’s (Arianna Grande) friendship is put to the test as they embrace their new respective identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and how the consequences of their actions will change all of Oz forever.
Returning to the house where his family was brutally murdered during the war, ‘the man who refuses to die’ dismantles it, loads it on a truck, and is determined to rebuild it somewhere safe in their honor. When the Red Army commander who killed his family comes back hellbent on finishing the job, a relentless, eye-popping cross-country chase ensues – a fight to the death.
An American actor (Brendan Fraser) in Tokyo struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality.
After cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counseling program. But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis.
When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
From Academy Award® winning writer/director Chloé Zhao, ‘Hamnet’ tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, ‘Hamlet’.
(L to R) Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson in ‘Tinsel Town’. Photo: Brainstorm Media.
Egotistical A-lister Bradley Mack (Kiefer Sutherland) is blindsided when his iconic action franchise is abruptly canceled. His career in freefall and worried his Hollywood days are behind him, Bradley heads to England, hoping to rebuild his image as a serious West End actor. But his long-suffering agent has other plans, sending him instead to a small, snow-dusted village to star in the eccentric town’s production of ‘Cinderella’. As he fumbles through rehearsals with a colorful cast of oddball locals, Bradley begins to discover a spark of new beginnings in the form of no-nonsense choreographer Jill (Rebel Wilson).
John Prine in ‘You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine. Photo: Abramorama.
This concert film was shot in October, 2022, over two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. More than 70 artists gathered with family, the Nashville community, and music fans to remember and pay tribute to the life and songs of John Prine.
Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) organizes a special Christmas outing when her family forgets her in the shuffle. By the time they realize their mistake, she’s gone missing. Their Christmas is in jeopardy, but Claire has other plans.
One year since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, the stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest. With the truth about what transpired kept from her, Abby (Piper Rubio) sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, setting into motion a terrifying series of events that will reveal dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’s, and unleash a long-forgotten horror hidden away for decades.
Kelsey Pribilski in ‘Man Finds Tape’. Photo: Magnolia Pictures.
Pulled in by a series of strange and unexplainable video clips, a brother and sister team up to investigate the events captured in the footage, only to discover a shocking secret that’s overtaking their small-town Texas community.
Famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) embarks on a journey of self discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).
A scene from ‘Frontier Crucible’. Photo: Well Go USA Entertainment.
In 1870s Arizona Territory, a desperately needed wagon full of medical supplies falls victim to an Apache attack. The only man who can guide it through is Merrick Beckford, but in order to get there, he’ll need to enlist the help of a trio of dangerous outlaws hellbent on survival. When they accidentally kill an Apache scout, all bets are off, and survival is the name of the game.
An idealistic young politician (Emma Mackey) juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor (Albert Brooks).
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Millie (Sydney Sweeney) is a struggling woman who is relieved to get a fresh start as a housemaid to Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), an upscale, wealthy couple. She soon learns that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own.
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.
In the wake of the devastating war against the RDA and the loss of their eldest son, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) face a new threat on Pandora: the Ash People, a violent and power-hungry Na’vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang (Oona Chaplin). Jake’s family must fight for their survival and the future of Pandora in a conflict that pushes them to their emotional and physical limits.
A group of friends facing mid-life crises (Paul Rudd and Jack Black) head to the rainforest with the intention of remaking their favorite movie from their youth, only to find themselves in a fight for their lives against natural disasters, giant snakes and violent criminals.
Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.
Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures .
An epic fable about religious leader Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried), the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, who was proclaimed by her followers as the female Christ and went on to build one of the largest utopian societies in American history. Lee — one of the rare female religious leaders at the time —and her followers worshipped through exuberant song and dance.
Ralph Fiennes in ‘The Choral’. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics.
Yorkshire, 1916. A choral society’s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) to recruit teenagers. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young men grapple with their impending conscription.
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Preview:
The first images of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Housemaid’ are online.
Paul Feig directed the new thriller.
It adapts Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel.
While Sydney Sweeney has seen her rising star hit a bit of turbulence of late, with a few cinematic flops and plenty of controversy over recent adverts, the actor is hoping that some upcoming projects will restore its sheen.
Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Rebecca Sonnenshine (‘The Boys’) adapted Freida McFadden’s bestselling 2022 novel, which follows Millie (Sweeney), who is trying to escape her past.
She accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar, ‘It Ends With Us’).
But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous — a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power. Behind the Winchesters’ closed doors lies a world of shocking twists…
‘The Housemaid’: the filmmakers speak
(L to R): Amanda Seyfried as Nina and Sydney Sweeney as Millie in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
“The film captures everything fans loved about the book — the secrets, the tension and the twists. We can’t wait for audiences to immerse themselves in the experience.”
And this was Feig’s comment:
“ ‘The Housemaid’ is pure entertainment –– a sexy and surprising rollercoaster ride of a movie that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This movie is the kind of insane fun that you’ll want to watch over and over this holiday season. So bring your friends and wear your pearls because you’ll definitely be clutching them!”
Finally, here’s Sweeney on her role and the film in general:
“[Millie is] the type of character I love to play: complex, strong and with a little something up her sleeve I can’t wait for fans to see how hard we all worked to bring ‘The Housemaid’ to life.”
When will ‘The Housemaid be in theaters?
Michele Morrone as Enzo in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Backed by Lionsgate, the movie will bring its plot turns to theaters on December 19th. Happy twistmas!
(L to R): Sydney Sweeney as Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
(Left) Sydney Sweeney in ‘The White Lotus’ season 1. Photo: Mario Perez/HBO. (Right) 1979’s ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’. Photo: Nippon Sunrise.
Preview:
Sydney Sweeney is in talks to take a lead role in ‘Gundam.’
It’ll be the first live-action adaptation of the long-running anime franchise.
‘Sweet Tooth’ series boss Jim Mickle is aboard to write and direct.
Having lingered around development limbo for a few years now, the live-action adaptation of giant anime franchise ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ looks set to get an upgrade in its star power.
While a sci-fi movie about hulking, mechanized suits doing battle might seem like an odd turn for her career, Sweeney has shown an admirable willingness to hop around genres, embracing horror and others.
It also marks the first real signs of movement for the movie itself.
One of the most revered animé, ‘Gundam’ is thought of as the ‘Star Wars’ or Marvel Universe of Japan, and is the pioneer of the mecha genre of IP.
Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the ‘Gundam’ franchise spans 83 animated series and movies. Its toy and retail business are huge, with the various products and projects generating over $600 million annually.
The original anime, 1979 series ‘Mobile Suit Gundam,’ is set in the Universal Century, an era in which humanity’s growing population has led people to emigrate to space colonies.
Eventually, the people living in the colonies seek their autonomy, and launch a war of independence against the people living on Earth. The battles in the story are fought by the characters piloting robots known as mobile suits.
Part of the mecha genre, the sci-fi subgenre that centers on robots in combat (and usually they are giant robots), it veered from the formula followed by its mecha predecessors in a manner that added dramatic new tones and textures to the genre.
Previously, the giant robots in mecha stories were presented as almost magical devices with celebrity pilots who operated them via remote control or command. Tomino found those Aladdin-with-a-robot tales flimsy so he re-envisioned them as colossal weapons at the center of a complex military epic.
The giant robots, like Flying Fortress, had crews with ace pilots and everyman mechanics, which lent new perspectives, pathos, and battlefield energy to the saga and then to its genre.
Back in 2019, we learned that ‘Y: The Last Man,’ ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Runaways’ comic book creator Brian K. Vaughan (who has worked on the TV likes of ‘Lost’ and shows spawned from his titles) was hired to start work on a screenplay for Legendary’s live-action take on the ‘Gundam’ adventures –– the first to move it from the animated sphere.
But by the time 2024 rolled around, neither Netflix nor Vogt-Roberts were attached, and Legendary had instead hired ‘Sweet Tooth’ showrunner (and horror movie ‘Stake Land’ director) Jim Mickle to tackle the story instead.
He was brought in to also write a new draft of the script; presumably it’s this that has sparked Sweeney’s attention.
Still, it really needs to stand out to make it on to her crowded To Do list…
What else is Sydney Sweeney working on?
(L to R) Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in ‘Anyone But You. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
Sweeney’s current schedule is as packed as anyone’s in Hollywood.
Last year included the continued success of hit rom-com ‘Anyone But You’ opposite fellow rising star Glen Powell and Neon horror thriller ‘Immaculate.’
She followed those up with one that she might wish to vanish from her resume, misfiring Spider-Man spin-off ‘Madame Web.’
The actor also filmed the Ron Howard-directed thriller ‘Eden’ about a society of people who opt to start a new life in the Galapagos islands, only for things to wrong. That one should be in theaters this year.
She has shot the Lionsgate adaptation of the novel ‘The Housemaid,’ which has Paul Feige in the director’s chair, and has worked on two other movies, ‘Echo Valley’ about a woman (played by Julianne Moore) whose life is turned upside down when her daughter (Sweeney) shows up covered in someone else’s blood, and a biopic of real-life boxer Christy Martin, with Sweeney in the lead role (not to mention it’s another movie she produced).
(L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
And that list doesn’t even include the potential movies to which she is attached: that list includes a remake of sci-fi comedy ‘Barbarella,’ thriller ‘The Caretaker’ and a drama called ‘The Registration.’
Finally, we have HBO series ‘Euphoria,’ whose much-delayed third season which is finally filming now for a 2026 release.
Here’s what she told Cosmopolitan about the show’s return:
“We did have a long time between season one and season two, but especially now with the time jump, it’s a new process for me. I’m kind of just learning as I go and being open for whatever’s to come. But I’m also really excited. I love Cassie. She is always such a thrilling character to play, so I’m really looking forward to what’s gonna happen in her life.”
Legendary has yet to announce when the movie might hit screens, and given that the company usually partners up with a studio for distribution, we’ll have to wait and see where it lands.
But if Sweeney does sign on, it’ll certainly get a boost in the right direction.
Sydney Sweeney in ‘Euphoria.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.
The Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
Preview:
Lionsgate brought the likes of ‘Ballerina’ and the new ‘Now You See Me’ to CinemaCon.
The likes of Sydney Sweeney and Jenna Ortega were there to showcase their new movies.
‘The Long Walk’ and some fresh ‘John Wick’ news was also shared.
Lionsgate had, let’s be generous here, a pretty dreadful 2024, with movies such as ‘The Crow’ and ‘Borderlands’ seriously underperforming. The company has also been through more financial turmoil, but its presence at CinemaCon points to planting a flag and looking to convince theater chains that it’s in good shape with some exciting movies headed our way.
Among them, the latest ‘John Wick’ spin-off, ‘Ballerina,’ and the first official look at the third ‘Now You See Me’ entry are expected to be the biggest.
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It’s telling, though, that the Lionsgate presentation was part of an overall package with a state of the industry talk (featuring confirmation of name change from NATO to Cinema United with bonus Tom Cruise “we love movies” video, and a blend of self-congratulatory updates and concerns about the future of moviegoing as a whole) and fellow distributor Neon showing trailers for some of its own upcoming movies, including Mike Flanagan’s Tom Hiddleston-starring Stephen King adaptation ‘The Life of Chuck’ and Alison Brie/Dave Franco supernatural sci-fi horror ‘Together.’
After more talk about windows than a glazing company conference, it’s on with the Lionsgate show!
(L to R) Director Len Wiseman and Ana de Armas at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
To absolutely no-one’s surprise, the presentation kicked off with an extended look at the latest tendril of the ‘John Wick’-verse, ‘Ballerina.
Starring Ana de Armas as a young woman trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organization who sets out to seek revenge after her father’s death, the movie has Len Wiseman in the director’s chair, but is also produced by ‘Wick’ franchise overseer Chad Stahelski.
The new glimpse of the movie of course spotlights the considerable set-pieces. Because after all, what’s a ‘Wick’ movie without some good old fashioned fighting?
We also get a look at Gabriel Byrne in the movie, and Anjelica Huston’s director hiring a certain familiar assassin to take out de Armas’ Eve. Yep, as you’ll have seen in the recent trailer, Keanu Reeves’ titular Mr. Wick makes his presence felt alongside franchise veterans Lance Reddick (RIP) and Ian McShane.
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In fact, this is mostly just an extended version of the last public look at the movie with added fisticuffs.
Wiseman and de Armas took the stage to talk up the new movie. De Armas spotlighted how she appreciated the discipline of ballet, which carried over into the stunts, which were the most physically demanding work she had to for a movie.
Lionsgate seems to be very confident in this one, claiming that they’ll be screening it to exhibition partners earlier than originally planned.
(L to R) Director Francis Lawrence, David Jonsson and Mark Hamill at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
The Stephen King adaptation, directed by ‘Hunger Games’ veteran Francis Lawrence, is a dystopian tale featuring a group of teenage boys competing in an annual contest known as “The Long Walk,” where they must maintain a certain walking speed or get shot.
According to the director, this is his favorite King tome. Jonsson, meanwhile, mentions that the actors walked for miles each day while shooting. At least it was a good workout!
Hamill, a CinemaCon newbie, plays the movie’s antagonist, so the cast apparently didn’t want to hang out with him until production was wrapped.
He says he’s wanted to work with Lawrence for a while and “there is nothing for me in ‘Hunger Games.’” ‘The Long Walk,’ he says, hit him like a ton of bricks but he appreciated getting pushed out of his comfort zone.
The trailer was shown, and we know that ‘The Long Walk’ will march into cinemas on September 12th.
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The latest ‘Hunger Games’ outing, once more directed by Lawrence, is the next prequel story, focused on a young Haymitch (as played by Woody Harrelson in the original trilogy).
Lawrence told the crowd that they’re casting now for a planned July shoot, and the director calls the color palette a “return to form” and that the new film takes place later in time than the last movie.
And again, it was his favorite book –– this time by ‘Games’ author Suzanne Collins.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunshine on the Reaping’ will be out on November 20th, 2026.
In between the bigger presentations was a video featuring other filmmakers talking up projects and more –– ‘A Simple Favor’s Paul Feig revealed he’d signed a first-look deal with the studios, while Luca Guadagnino appeared to hype his ‘American Psycho’ adaptation, which will go back to the book and features Scott Z. Burns writing. He’s casting it right now.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The ‘Wick’-verse continues to expand
While ‘Ballerina’ continues the story, a new animated prequel to the original ‘Wick’ flick sets the clock back to before the story. Shannon Tindle of ‘Ultraman: Rising’ will direct.
But you were thinking Keanu Reeves’ character himself wouldn’t be back, think again –– Lionsgate has the actor and Stahelski developing a fifth main outing.
Donnie Yen as Caine in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
And the spin-off, directed by and starring Donnie Yen, focused on his Caine character from ‘Chapter 4,’ will shoot this summer.
On the comedy front, there’s more work for Keanu Reeves…
Aziz Ansari’s film, which brought its first trailer, focused on a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), who meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen).
‘Good Fortune’ will be hoping for good luck when it’s released on October 17th.
John Carney –– him of ‘Sing Street’ and ‘Once’ has more music on his mind with this Paul Rudd/Nick Jonas starring comedy about a wedding singer, a rock star, and the song that comes between them.
Lionsgate showed an extended look at that one, which seems sweet and funny.
(L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Ariana Greenblatt as June, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Dave Franco as Jack Wilder in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
The third movie in the magician con-team franchise has Ruben Fleischer in the director’s chair, and he took the stage to announce that a fourth film (with Fleischer back behind the camera) and other spin-offs are in the works.
This third outing blends the classic cast with new recruits such as Rosamund Pike and Ariana Greenblatt. And for the first time since the first movie, Isla Fisher returns as Henley.
Oh, and it’s officially titled ‘Now You See Me, Now You Don’t.’
Fleischer brought a first look trailer with him, but also took time to explain that the vast majority of the magic tricks are done in camera. The story this time sees Jesse Eisenberg’s falling out with his buddies, and recruiting a new team featuring Justice Smith, Greenblatt and Dominic Sessa. They work with Morgan Freeman to rob Pike’s villainous character.
Once the trailer finished, Fleischer announced he’s also at work on another title for the studio, as well as a fourth ‘Now You See Me’ and possible spinoffs, but they’re keeping details on that in a bank vault for now.
‘Now You See Me, Now You Don’t’ will appear in theaters on November 14th.
(L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
Paul Feig’s latest film, adapted from Freida McFadden’s novel, sees Sydney Sweeney playing a struggling woman who is happy to start over as a housemaid for an affluent, elite couple.
Feig took the stage with Sweeney and co-stars Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, and the presentation became a love-fest for the ladies, with Sweeney admitting she’s a huge fan of Seyfried and ‘Mamma Mia!‘, and they made a TikTok together dancing to Abba.
(L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, and Sydney Sweeney at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
Sweeney also talked up loving the book and how she enjoys playing flawed characters.
Feige and co wrapped up with a first trailer for the movie.
‘The Housemaid’ will look to clean up in theaters on December 25th. Happy thrillmas?
Shults said this is a hard movie to describe, soulful, and a journey.
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Ortega took the stage to enthuse about working on the movie. She got the script and fell in love with a scene. She went in trying to get a small role and ended up getting the lead alongside the music star. Her character shifted a lot even during the production, it is quite an experience.
After the talent talks portion, the new trailer played. Trippy!
The Weeknd performs at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.
Following that, the wrap up the whole presentation, Ortega introduced The Weeknd, who performed for the crowd.
‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ arrives in theaters on May 16th.
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Absent, despite being hyped before it kicked off shooting last year, was ‘Michael,’ the Michael Jackson biopic. That might have something to do with the ongoing legal issues with one of the singer’s accusers.
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in ‘Michael.’ Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur.
