Sydney Sweeney’s Latest Movie Breaks Starz Streaming and Subscriber Records in First Week

Starz has reported a strong performance for its newest major film release, with The Housemaid becoming the platform’s biggest Pay 1 movie debut so far. The company says the first week of streaming also brought in a noticeable rise in new subscribers, with female viewers playing a major role in driving the film’s success.

The movie became available on Starz on April 1 through its deal with Lionsgate, which brings theatrical releases to the streaming platform after their cinema run. Before its arrival on streaming, the film had already done well in theaters, earning about $399 million worldwide.

The Housemaid is a psychological thriller adapted from the bestselling book by Freida McFadden. It follows Millie, played by Sydney Sweeney, who is trying to rebuild her life after past difficulties. She accepts a live-in job with the wealthy Winchester family. What starts as a stable opportunity quickly turns darker as secrets and manipulation begin to surface inside the home.

Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, Millie’s employer, and the story focuses on the tense relationship between the two women as trust breaks down. The cast also includes Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, and Elizabeth Perkins. The film is directed by Paul Feig and leans heavily on suspense and unexpected twists.

Starz said the strong early numbers helped boost both viewership and new sign-ups. The company also highlighted that the audience response came largely from women, which supports its ongoing focus on female-driven stories. This is part of a wider content strategy that includes original shows, licensed films, and established franchises aimed at specific audience groups.

The source of this information is Starz, which shared its performance data following the film’s first week on the platform.

Because of the strong reception, a sequel has already been approved by Lionsgate. It will be based on the second book in the series, The Housemaid’s Secret. Sydney Sweeney is set to return, and Kirsten Dunst has joined the cast. Paul Feig will direct again, and key producers and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine are also coming back. The sequel is scheduled for release in December 2027.

From my point of view, this shows how streaming platforms are now relying more on big movie releases to grow their audience fast. It also shows that strong book adaptations and well-known actors can still drive major interest even after a theatrical run. What do you think about The Housemaid becoming such a big hit on Starz? Share your thoughts in the comments.