Sydney Sweeney to Star in Movie Based on Edith Wharton Novel ‘Custom of the Country’
Following the success of her recent role in The Housemaid, Sydney Sweeney is taking on a new challenge: starring in and producing the adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1913 novel, Custom of the Country.
Set in early 20th-century New York, the film will see Sweeney portray Undine Spragg, an ambitious woman from the Midwest determined to ascend the social ladder. The project is being helmed by director Josie Rourke, best known for her work on Mary Queen of Scots, who also wrote the adaptation. Sweeney is producing the film alongside Charles Finch of Rabbit’s Foot Films and Alison Owen of Monumental Pictures.
The production is backed by StudioCanal, which will finance the project and distribute it in international markets. The studio is also handling worldwide sales, having already launched them at the European Film Market (EFM). Principal photography is expected to begin soon as casting director Nina Gold assembles the rest of the cast.
Wharton’s Custom of the Country is a sharp social critique, following Spragg’s journey through high society in a time of profound change. The character of Undine, whose desire for social mobility makes her both captivating and controversial, has been a longstanding literary fascination. According to Rourke, the character’s energy and complexity made Sweeney an ideal choice for the role. “Sydney lived in my head as Undine Spragg while writing this adaptation. It feels as if Wharton herself wrote the role specifically for her,” Rourke said in a statement.
The adaptation has a rich history, with a prior attempt by Sofia Coppola to develop a series for Apple TV+. However, in a 2024 interview, Coppola revealed that the project was no longer in development.
Sweeney’s recent work in The Housemaid, a global box office success surpassing $200 million, has further solidified her place as a rising star. The film, which also stars Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, is an adaptation of Freida McFadden’s popular novel. Sweeney is also set to return for season three of HBO’s Euphoria and has several other high-profile projects lined up, including film adaptations of the video game OutRun and the anime franchise Gundam.
In addition to Rourke’s enthusiasm about working with Sweeney, producer Charles Finch expressed his excitement about bringing the story to the screen: “I’ve spent years working to adapt Custom of the Country, and I’m thrilled with Josie’s take on it. Sydney’s performance will bring a unique energy to Undine’s role.”
StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh also voiced her support for the project: “We are excited to collaborate again with Sydney Sweeney, who will bring a formidable presence to Undine Spragg. This film is an important part of StudioCanal’s mission to bring distinctive and timeless stories to the screen, and we’re proud to work with this talented team.”
Sydney Sweeney is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Wasserman, and attorney Stewart Brookman. Josie Rourke is represented by Marnie Podos at Under New Mgmt and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
