Housemaid author thrilled as Kirsten Dunst joins sequel cast

The Housemaid author Freida McFadden is "so excited" about Kirsten Dunst joining the cast of the upcoming movie sequel.

The Spider-Man actress will star alongside returning cast members Sydney Sweeney and Michele Morrone in the movie adaptation of The Housemaid's Secret, the second book in McFadden's Housemaid book series.

In the sequel, Sweeney's housekeeper Millie takes a job at the Garrick household, led by Dunst's Wendy Garrick, 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.

Reacting to the casting news on Instagram, McFadden expressed joy by writing, "I'm so excited! I've been a massive fan of hers for many years!!!"

Amanda Seyfried, who played Millie's employer Nina Winchester in the first film last year, also gave her seal of approval in the Instagram comments by simply posting an emoji of a face with love heart eyes.

The Housemaid's Secret movie, which was confirmed in January, will once again be directed by Paul Feig and adapted for the screen by Rebecca Sonnenshine. It will go into production in the autumn.

Announcing the casting on Monday, Erin Westerman, President, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, told Deadline, "It is a privilege to bring The Housemaid's next chapter to the screen with Kirsten Dunst. She is an icon. Her career reflects extraordinary range and fearlessness. Opposite the ever-magnetic Sydney Sweeney, she will be an electrifying force in a world where nothing is ever quite as it seems."

This is the second casting announcement for Dunst within the space of a week. She will also star in the sequel to A Minecraft Movie alongside the likes of Jason Momoa and Jack Black.

The Bring It On star has also wrapped production on the drama Rhubarb and the satirical comedy The Entertainment System Is Down.