Paul Feig’s career never strayed too far from his comedy roots, which included projects like Arrested Development, Freaks and Geeks and Bridesmaids. The director subverted expectations with movies like A Simple Favor and its sequel, Another Simple Favor, which started as comedies, then would evolve into darker and more twisted mysteries. Recently, Feig directed Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried and Brandan Sklenar in the even more twisted film The Housemaid. And he’s set to return for another chapter in that series. Feig’s suspense movies also maintain his signature humor and he continues to enjoy the new lane he’s picked.
While on a roll with suspense films, Deadline is reporting that the director has now signed on to direct Persona. Not much has been revealed about its plot, but it has been described as a “Fatal Attraction-style thriller with a modern twist.” Persona is based on a novella from author Marc Guggenheim, who some may know as the co-creator and executive producer of Arrow, as well as one of the architects of the Arrow-verse franchise.
20th Century Studios won the auction to acquire Persona for seven figures. It’s his second seven-figure deal in around six months, with his first being An Innocent Girl, a movie currently in production that stars Kerry Washington, James Marsden, Chloe East and Colman Domingo. Guggenheim co-wrote An Innocent Girl and is on board as an executive producer.
In the sequel to The Housemaid, Millie (Sweeney) returns, taking a job keeping house for a woman she’s never allowed to see — only to discover the truth behind the locked door that threatens to expose secrets far darker than her own. Joining Sweeney in the cast of the sequel are Kirsten Dunst (Roofman, Spider-Man) and Michele Morrone (365 Days, Subservience).
Director Paul Feig stated, “It’s been thrilling to see audiences around the world fall in love with The Housemaid and the incredible work of our talented cast and crew. We’re lucky that Freida McFadden has already extended Millie’s journey on the page, and that we get to work with Rebecca Sonnenshine and Lionsgate to bring this next story to audiences.”