From Cowboy to Creepy: Brandon Sklenar’s Twisted New Role

Brandon Sklenar quickly became a fan-favorite for his portrayal of Spencer Dutton in 1923, charming viewers with his rugged good looks and intense performance alongside Julia Schlaepfer’s Alex. Now that the Yellowstone prequel has concluded, fans have been eagerly awaiting news of his next project, and it promises to be a dramatic shift from the plains of Montana.

Sklenar’s upcoming film is titled The Housemaid, a psychological thriller based on Freida McFadden’s bestselling 2022 novel of the same name. This project is generating significant buzz, not just for its gripping premise, but for its stellar cast. Sklenar will star alongside Sydney Sweeney as the housemaid Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina, the wife of Sklenar’s character, Andrew. The film also features Michele Morrone as Enzo and is scheduled for a US release on Christmas Day 2025.

Filming officially wrapped in March of this year, with the main cast already promoting the movie at CinemaCon in April 2025. This early buzz is a clear indicator of the high expectations surrounding this “twisted” new role for Sklenar.

A Dark and Unhinged Character: Andrew is “Norman Bates Meets Patrick Bateman”

The Housemaid follows the story of Millie (Sweeney), a struggling young woman who lands a fresh start as a housemaid for the wealthy, upscale couple Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew (Sklenar). However, Millie soon discovers that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own, and it quickly becomes apparent that they all seem to have blood on their hands.

Sklenar himself teased his new project during a chat with Variety at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, giving fans a tantalizing glimpse into the dark nature of the film and his character. He described The Housemaid as “very dark, dramatic [and] twisted.”

But it was his description of his character, Andrew, that truly sent shockwaves through the fan community and immediately went viral: “Norman Bates meets Patrick Bateman.” This chilling comparison suggests a character who is not only deeply disturbed and potentially manipulative but also carries a dangerous, unhinged quality that is a stark contrast to the heroic (and often tortured) Spencer Dutton.

Sklenar further elaborated, “It’s not gory but it’s twisted. It’s out there for sure.” He added, with a hint of relish, “I am a little unhinged. You very rarely get the opportunity to just let the cat out of the bag.” This suggests that his role as Andrew will allow him to explore a much darker, more complex psychological territory than fans have seen from him previously.

A New Direction and a Stellar Team

The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig, known for his work on comedies like Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters, but who has also ventured into darker territory. The screenplay is penned by Rebecca Sonnenshine. This collaboration, combined with the star-studded cast and a viral novel as its source material, positions The Housemaid to be a major psychological thriller event.

Beyond The Housemaid, Sklenar can also be seen in the recently released film Drop, where he plays Henry Campbell, the date of a widowed mother receiving threatening messages.

It’s clear that Brandon Sklenar is seizing new opportunities to showcase his range as an actor, moving beyond the beloved cowboy persona that made him famous. Fans are eagerly anticipating his chilling transformation in The Housemaid, where he promises to deliver a truly “twisted” and unforgettable performance.