Blake Lively Plays Secret Casting Director for Paul Feig’s New Thriller

Director Paul Feig credits Blake Lively with a crucial casting choice for his upcoming film. Feig revealed this during a special screening event in New York. The new movie is a dark thriller titled The Housemaid. It is set for release in theaters on December 19.

The film adapts a bestselling novel by author Freida McFadden. According to Feig, Lively’s strong recommendation led directly to hiring actor Brandon Sklenar. This news highlights the collaborative network often at work behind major Hollywood productions.

Lively’s Recommendation Seals Key Role

Paul Feig shared the story with entertainment reporters. He said Blake Lively would not stop praising Brandon Sklenar. Lively had just finished working with Sklenar on the film It Ends With Us.

Feig took her advice and met with the actor. He was immediately convinced. Sklenar was then cast in a major role opposite stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. This kind of peer recommendation is common but rarely disclosed so openly.

The director expressed his gratitude for Lively’s insight. He called the casting process one of the most important for getting the adaptation right. Feig felt significant pressure to please the book’s massive fanbase.

A Shift to Darker Material for the Comedy Director

Paul Feig is best known for hit comedies like Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor. His new project marks a deliberate turn into darker, psychological territory. The Housemaid follows a maid employed by a wealthy family with sinister secrets.

Feig was drawn to the project after reading McFadden’s novel. He personally called Lionsgate studio to insist on directing it. The director explained the challenge was balancing the story’s serious subject with its twisty plot.

He focused on nailing the film’s major mid-story revelation. Feig collaborated closely with screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine. Their goal was to translate the book’s suspense to the screen faithfully.

The casting of Brandon Sklenar, spurred by Blake Lively, is now a pivotal part of the film’s behind-the-scenes story. Audiences can see the result when The Housemaid brings its chilling secrets to cinemas this December.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is *The Housemaid* about?

The film is a psychological thriller. It follows a maid who uncovers dark secrets while working for a wealthy family. The story is based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden.

When does *The Housemaid* come out?

The film is scheduled for release in theaters on December 19 of this year. It is a major studio release from Lionsgate.

Who else stars in the movie besides Brandon Sklenar?

The lead cast includes Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Michele Morrone, who also worked with Feig and Lively on *Another Simple Favor*, has a key role as well.

Is this related to *A Simple Favor*?

No, it is a separate film adaptation. However, director Paul Feig and star Blake Lively collaborated on both projects. The connection is the creative team, not the story.

Why did Paul Feig want to direct this movie?

Feig was captivated by the source novel’s twisty plot. He sought out the project to step into a darker genre, different from his famous comedies.