Sydney Sweeney has been officially cast to star in and produce a major film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s classic novel Custom of the Country. The announcement marks a significant moment for literary adaptations, as Custom of the Country has proven famously difficult to translate to screen despite numerous attempts over decades. Sweeney will play Undine Spragg, the ambitious, fiercely determined protagonist who navigates fin-de-siècle New York’s rigid social hierarchies. Directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Josie Rourke, who also wrote the screenplay, the project is being produced by Studiocanal and Rabbit’s Foot Films with full financing secured. Principal photography is expected to begin imminently, with the ensemble cast currently being assembled by acclaimed casting director Nina Gold.
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The Novel and Its Literary Legacy
Edith Wharton’s Custom of the Country, published in 1913, remains one of her most acclaimed works—often cited as her greatest novel. The narrative follows Undine Spragg, an ambitious woman from the Midwest arriving in turn-of-the-century New York determined to scale social hierarchies and establish herself among the city’s elite. Armed with beauty, daring hustle, and unwavering ambition, Spragg fearlessly courts controversy while battling entrenched elite society. The novel’s sharp observations on social hypocrisy and gender dynamics retain remarkable relevance in contemporary contexts.
Previous adaptation attempts have failed, making this the first successful effort to bring the novel to screen. Sofia Coppola planned a miniseries for Apple TV+ starring Florence Pugh in 2020, but the project never materialized. Director Rourke’s adaptation represents the first realized journey from page to screen for this notoriously complex narrative.
| Novel Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Custom of the Country |
| Author | Edith Wharton |
| Publication Year | 1913 |
| Genre | Social satire, literary fiction |
| Setting | Turn-of-century New York and Europe |
| Protagonist | Undine Spragg (ambitious Midwestern woman) |
| Themes | Social climbing, ambition, morality, marriage |
| Previous Adaptations | None successful; Sofia Coppola’s miniseries abandoned |
Sydney Sweeney’s Casting
Director Josie Rourke described Sweeney’s casting as “kismet,” emphasizing that the actress perfectly embodies Undine Spragg’s complex character. Rourke stated: “Undine Spragg is the original dangerous woman. Edith Wharton’s character has forever fascinated, seduced and infuriated readers. As I was writing this adaptation, Sydney Sweeney lived in my head as this iconic character—it’s as if Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her.”
Sweeney’s recent box office triumph with The Housemaid (which earned $250 million globally) demonstrates her bankability and appeal to audiences seeking intelligent female-led narratives. The casting capitalizes on her momentum while positioning her in a prestige literary adaptation that could establish her as a serious dramatic talent.
Creative Team and Production
| Production Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Director/Screenwriter | Josie Rourke (Mary Queen of Scots, Donmar Warehouse artistic director) |
| Producers | Sydney Sweeney, Charles Finch (Rabbit’s Foot Films), Alison Owen (Monumental Pictures) |
| Production Company | Studiocanal (financing and international distribution) |
| Casting Director | Nina Gold |
| Distributor | Studiocanal (UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Benelux) |
| Budget | Fully financed by Studiocanal |
Josie Rourke brings exceptional credentials to the project, having served as artistic director of London’s prestigious Donmar Warehouse from 2012-2019. Her directorial debut Mary Queen of Scots (2018) demonstrated her ability to craft sophisticated period narratives featuring complex female protagonists. Her theatre background ensures strong ensemble work and dialogue-driven storytelling crucial for adapting Wharton’s novel.
Charles Finch, founder of Rabbit’s Foot Films, has spent years developing this project. His statement emphasized: “I’ve worked for many years to bring Custom of the Country to the screen, and I’m delighted with Josie’s adaptation, and the power, passion and fun that Sydney will bring to the role.“
Why Custom of the Country Matters
Wharton’s novel explores timeless themes of ambition, social mobility, marriage, and gender dynamics that remain profoundly relevant. Undine Spragg represents early modern feminism—a woman determined to control her destiny despite societal constraints and moral judgments. Her willingness to navigate scandal, sacrifice relationships, and manipulate circumstances for personal advancement makes her a complex, morally ambiguous protagonist.
The novel’s sharp social satire and observations about class structures, consumerism, and power dynamics resonate across generations. A successful screen adaptation could establish Custom of the Country as a significant contribution to prestige cinema exploring female ambition and agency.
Previous Wharton Adaptations
Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence (1993), featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder, remains the most successful Wharton adaptation to date. Other attempts including Terrence Davies’ The House of Mirth (2000) and various other projects achieved mixed results. Custom of the Country’s notorious difficulty translating to screen stems from its complex narrative structure, morally ambiguous protagonist, and intricate social dynamics.
International Distribution and Finance
Studiocanal’s full financing and distribution commitment demonstrates major studio confidence in the project’s commercial and artistic potential. The company will distribute theatrically across key markets including UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Benelux.
Additionally, Studiocanal will launch worldwide sales at the Berlin Film Festival (EFM), positioning Custom of the Country as a significant international prestige production.
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FAQs
When will Custom of the Country begin filming?
Principal photography is expected to commence imminently. While no specific start date has been announced, production is reportedly beginning very soon with the cast assembly currently underway.
Who is playing Undine Spragg?
Sydney Sweeney is cast as Undine Spragg, the ambitious Midwestern protagonist. Director Josie Rourke described the casting as “kismet,” believing Sweeney perfectly embodies the character.
Who is directing Custom of the Country?
Josie Rourke, known for Mary Queen of Scots and her tenure as Donmar Warehouse artistic director, is directing and writing the screenplay adaptation.
Is Sydney Sweeney producing the film?
Yes, Sydney Sweeney is not only starring but also producing alongside Charles Finch (Rabbit’s Foot Films) and Alison Owen (Monumental Pictures).
Has Custom of the Country been adapted before?
No, this is the first successful screen adaptation attempt. Sofia Coppola planned an Apple miniseries with Florence Pugh in 2020 that never materialized. Previous films remain the only successful Wharton adaptation.
