Lionsgate is adapting "The Housemaid" for the stage, bringing the psychological thriller to Broadway or regional theater. The studio is developing the play with producers Simon Friend and Hanna Osmolska alongside playwright Bekah Brunstetter, known for her work on "Ozark" and her original plays.
The move marks another major IP property crossing from screen to stage. Nora Roberts' "The Housemaid," which became a Netflix film in 2024 starring Sydney Sweeney, centers on a live-in housekeeper who discovers dark secrets within a wealthy family. The property's intimate domestic horror mechanics translate well to theater's confined spaces and character-driven storytelling.
Brunstetter brings credentials that suit the material. Her "Ozark" work demonstrated skill handling morally complex family dynamics and tension. She's developed an off-Broadway presence with original plays that explore psychological depth, making her ideal for adapting Roberts' intricate power dynamics.
Friend and Osmolska have championed theater adaptations of contemporary properties. This collaboration signals Lionsgate's investment in the stage as an alternative revenue stream and brand extension. The streaming adaptation proved the story's commercial appeal, but theater offers different audience demographics and international touring potential.
The play enters a crowded adaptation market. Broadway has seen recent stage versions of "Topdog/Underdog," "Stereophonic," and various film-to-stage projects. However, the domestic thriller category remains underexplored on stage, where intimate settings amplify suspense and psychological tension.
Success depends on execution. The play must preserve Roberts' narrative propulsion while leveraging theater's strength in character observation. Brunstetter's dialogue skills and the producers' track record suggest serious development rather than quick cash-in. Casting, particularly the housemaid role, will determine whether this becomes