The Maids” Film Adaptation Planned by Blanchett and Haynes

Todd Haynes Sets Adaptation of Jean Genet’s The Maids With Cate Blanchett

Filmmaker Todd Haynes has revealed that his next project following the romantic drama De Noche will be an adaptation of Jean Genet’s 1947 play Les Bonnes, commonly known in English as The Maids, with Cate Blanchett expected to star in the film. Haynes discussed his upcoming slate in an interview with French magazine Le Point.

Genet’s classic play centers on two domestic workers who spend their evenings role-playing the humiliation and murder of their wealthy employer. The material was loosely inspired by the 1933 Papin sisters case in France. Haynes told Le Point that he brings a fresh perspective to the text, stating that he holds a very particular approach to the story that he has never seen anywhere else.

Production Hurdles and Recovery on De Noche

The announcement arrives as Haynes finishes post-production on his 1930s-set queer romantic drama De Noche, which was filmed primarily in Mexico City. Filming on the project wrapped in April 2026, with El País indicating a potential 2027 release likely aiming for a festival premiere.

The road to completing De Noche involved significant disruption. The production came to an abrupt halt when Joaquin Phoenix walked away from the lead role just days before filming was scheduled to begin, a departure that cost the production company more than $1 million. The project was subsequently revived when Pedro Pascal stepped into the lead role alongside co-star Danny Ramirez. Producer Christine Vachon credited Pascal with saving the film, telling Variety that Pascal was born to play the role.

A Reunion Rooted in Stage and Screen History

If Cate Blanchett joins the adaptation of The Maids, it will mark her third feature film collaboration with Haynes, following I’m Not There and Carol. Blanchett previously performed the play on stage as the character Claire, starring opposite Isabelle Huppert in a 2013 Sydney Theatre Company production directed by Benedict Andrews that later transferred to New York’s Lincoln Center Festival in 2014. It remains unconfirmed whether Blanchett will reprise her stage role as Claire or take on the role of Madame in the new cinematic adaptation.

The film adaptation landscape for Genet’s play remains sparse. The only notable previous film version is Christopher Miles’ 1974 feature film starring Glenda Jackson, Susannah York, and Vivien Merchant. Haynes’ deep familiarity with Genet dates back to his 1991 feature debut Poison, which drew inspiration from multiple Genet novels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Todd Haynes’ Next Film

When is De Noche expected to be released?

De Noche wrapped filming in Mexico in April 2026 and is eyeing a 2027 release window, with expectations pointing toward a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

What is the plot of Jean Genet’s The Maids?

The 1947 play follows two domestic workers who harbor deep resentment toward their social position and spend their nights enacting elaborate fantasies about murdering their wealthy employer.

Who else has performed in theatrical versions of The Maids?

Cate Blanchett previously starred as Claire alongside Isabelle Huppert as Solange in a 2013 stage production directed by Benedict Andrews for the Sydney Theatre Company.