Amanda Seyfried recently revealed that she discovered she was credited as an executive producer on The Housemaidseveral weeks after filming had already begun.

Appearing on the Feb. 15 episode of The Graham Norton Show, the actress explained that she only learned about her additional title three weeks into production. While reviewing a call sheet, she noticed her name listed as an executive producer and was immediately confused. Seyfried said she did not recall agreeing to take on that responsibility and initially questioned how the credit had been added.

After checking with another producer, she learned that her agent had negotiated the executive producer title as part of her contract. Though the credit came as a surprise, Seyfried admitted it changed her mindset about the film’s success. Realizing she now had a producing title attached, she joked that the stakes suddenly felt higher and that the movie “better be a hit.”

Despite the added credit, Seyfried was candid about how involved she actually was behind the scenes. She described the role as largely symbolic, explaining that she did not take on traditional producing duties during filming. Instead, she focused on her performance in the psychological thriller, which also stars Sydney Sweeney and Brandon Sklenar. Based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden, the film was directed by Paul Feig.

Seyfried humorously referred to her executive producer designation as a “vanity credit,” emphasizing that she primarily showed up to act and enjoy the experience. She said she had a great time working on the project and did not feel burdened by extra responsibilities, despite the upgraded title.

The actress also shared that one of her main motivations for joining The Housemaid was the opportunity to collaborate with director Paul Feig. She expressed enthusiasm about working with him, noting that she was excited by the chance to fully embrace the dramatic and psychological intensity of the role. Seyfried described the experience as both surprising and rewarding.

Looking ahead, Seyfried hinted at interest in returning for a sequel if one moves forward. She playfully remarked that she hopes to be included in a second installment. Meanwhile, author Freida McFadden has suggested she would welcome Seyfried back, even if only for a cameo appearance.

Reflecting on the film’s performance, Seyfried pointed out that The Housemaid exceeded expectations at the box office, particularly given its relatively modest budget. She noted that it is rare to see a lower-cost production generate such strong returns. The project benefited from being based on highly popular source material, as McFadden’s novel had topped bestseller lists before its adaptation.

Seyfried has even gone so far as to say the film may surpass the book, adding that the author herself agrees with that assessment. In previous interviews, including a December 2025 appearance on Today, Seyfried described her character, Nina Winchester, as one of the most enjoyable roles of her career. She said the part allowed her to explore new creative territory and push herself in ways she had not previously experienced.

Overall, while she may not have realized she was an executive producer at first, Seyfried looks back on The Housemaidas a standout and unexpectedly successful chapter in her career.