Key Highlights
- Paul Feig reveals how Blake Lively played a part in casting for his upcoming film “The Housemaid.”
- The movie stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.
- Brandon Sklenar, who was recommended by Blake Lively, plays a significant role in the film.
- Feig discusses the importance of getting the cast right for an adaptation based on Freida McFadden’s book.
The Behind-the-Scenes Story: How Blake Lively Influenced “The Housemaid” Cast
Newspapers, photos, and videos often highlight the glamorous aspects of Hollywood, but behind the scenes, there are countless stories that shed light on how films come to life. One such story involves Paul Feig, the director known for his work in comedy and thriller genres, and his casting choices for his upcoming film “The Housemaid,” which is set to hit theaters on December 19, 2025.
Feig exclusively told E! News that Blake Lively, with whom he has worked previously on films like A Simple Favor, played a significant role in the casting process for “The Housemaid.” According to Feig, Lively had recently worked with Brandon Sklenar and kept praising his acting abilities.
This recommendation led Feig to meet Sklenar, who was cast as one of the main characters in the film.
“Blake Lively had just worked with Brandon,” shared Feig during a special screening of the film in New York on December 2, 2025. “She 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.'” Feig’s comment reflects not only his respect for Lively’s opinion but also her influence on the film’s casting.
Brandon Sklenar is no stranger to high-profile roles; he previously played Blake Lively’s love interest in the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us.” This connection between Feig, Lively, and Sklenar adds another layer to the intricate web of relationships that often shape Hollywood.
The director also highlighted other connections within his cast. Michelle Morrone, who played Enzo in “Another Simple Favor,” is also part of the ensemble cast for “The Housemaid.” Feig emphasized the importance of getting the right cast for an adaptation based on Freida McFadden’s book of the same name.
“It was just me calling, like, ‘I have to do this movie,'” recalled Feig. “‘I know you think I’m a comedy director—I have to do this movie.
I know how to do it.’ And it was one of the best experiences of my life.” This quote gives insight into Feig’s determination and the passion he brings to his projects.
Feig discussed the beauty of the story, which deals with serious subject matter that gets dark but offers a mix of fun misdirection and resolution. “The biggest thing was getting the cast right,” said Feig, adding, “and then just putting on the screen everything that’s described in the movie in the best possible way.” This statement reflects the meticulous process involved in bringing a book to life on the big screen.
As fans eagerly await the release of “The Housemaid” and other upcoming adaptations such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, My Oxford Year, and Wuthering Heights, it’s clear that behind-the-scenes stories like this one add a layer of human connection to the filmmaking process.
In conclusion, Paul Feig’s collaboration with Blake Lively in casting “The Housemaid” showcases how personal connections can play a significant role in shaping a film. As we continue to witness more book-to-screen adaptations, these behind-the-scenes stories remind us of the intricate and often collaborative nature of filmmaking.
