Author Freida McFadden says Sydney Sweeney was “exactly” what she imagined when writing The Housemaid, making her the perfect choice to star in the film.
“She has the right vibe,” McFadden, 45, told Us Weekly exclusively at the 2026 TIME100 Gala hosted at Lincoln Center in New York City on Thursday, April 23. “She has this great energy and passion.”
Sweeney, 28, played The Housemaid protagonist Millie in the film adaptation, which hit theaters in December 2025. It was announced that the second book in McFadden’s series — The Housemaid’s Secret — would also be adapted with Sweeney returning alongside Kirsten Dunst.
“I’m so excited about it,” McFadden told Us. “We have Kirsten Dunst, who I’ve been a fan of pretty much my whole life.”
She added, “I think it’s gonna [have] completely new twists, completely new family, and I think it’s gonna surprise people.”
Just like Sweeney, author McFadden is no stranger to making headlines. The famed thriller writer’s true identity was questioned several times throughout her 23-year career, leading many readers to wonder about her personal life.
McFadden officially revealed her real name — Sara Cohen, a doctor who treats brain disorders — earlier this month.
“I’m at a point in my career when I’m tired of this being a secret. I’m tired of people debating if I’m a real person or if I’m three men,” McFadden told USA Today in an article published on April 8. “I am a real person and I have a real identity and I don’t have anything to hide.”
She added, “My whole goal was to keep it a secret until I was [ready to] step back from my doctor job, so it wouldn’t be like everyone I work with suddenly knew and it compromised my ability to do my job. But I have stepped away from my job. I’m only working, like, once or twice a month.”
McFadden said she wears a wig when taking on her author persona because she has “no idea” how to do her hair in real life.
“I just realized I was completely overwhelmed from trying to do both,” she said of having two identities.
Although her real name is now out there, McFadden still wants to be known by her pen name publicly.
“Even though I haven’t told my real name until now, I feel like I have shared the real me all along and everything I’ve told them has been the truth,” she added. “Even though the name will be a surprise, nothing else will. I’ve always been genuine with my readers.”
