Sydney Sweeney is set to take on the lead role and also serve as a producer for the film adaptation of "Custom of the Country." This much-anticipated project will be directed and written by Josie Rourke, known for her work on "Mary Queen of Scots." In this film, Sweeney embodies the character of Undine Spragg, a fiercely ambitious woman from the Midwest, who strives to climb the social ranks in New York at the turn of the century. According to the official press release, Undine is described as someone who possesses beauty, audacity, immense determination, and an unyielding ambition, willing to confront the established elite while fearlessly courting scandal, until she ultimately finds love and wealth.
As noted in the press release, casting director Nina Gold is currently assembling a talented ensemble cast around Sweeney, with principal photography expected to commence very soon. Rourke has characterized Undine Spragg as the "original dangerous woman" and feels that Sweeney’s casting is serendipitous, suggesting that it seems as though "Wharton sat down a century ago and crafted the role specifically for her."
Rourke remarks, "Edith Wharton’s character has perpetually intrigued, captivated, and exasperated readers. 'The Custom of the Country' stands as Wharton’s great American novel, showcasing Undine Spragg as she moves swiftly across America and into Europe during a period marked by significant economic and social transformation. The narrative resonates with modernity, and as I worked on this adaptation, Sydney Sweeney was continually in my thoughts as the ideal person to portray this iconic character—it's as if Wharton wrote the role just for her."
Interestingly, filmmaker Sofia Coppola had previously intended to adapt Wharton’s novel into a miniseries featuring Florence Pugh back in 2020; however, that project, which was set to launch through Apple, ultimately did not materialize.
Producers for this exciting venture include Charles Finch, Sydney Sweeney herself, Alison Owen from Monumental Pictures, and StudioCanal. StudioCanal is set to fully finance "Custom of the Country," with plans to distribute the film theatrically across its various territories, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Benelux, while also managing global sales at the European Film Market (EFM).
Finch expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I have dedicated several years to bringing 'Custom of the Country' to the screen. I am thrilled with Josie’s adaptation, as well as the energy, passion, and excitement that Sydney will infuse into her role."
This film marks a reunion for Sweeney with StudioCanal, the company that released her recent box office success, "The Housemaid," in Australia and New Zealand. That film, which is based on Freida McFadden's popular thriller novel, has impressively grossed around $250 million globally thus far.
Anna Marsh, the CEO of StudioCanal, shared her excitement about the project, stating, "We are eager to be involved in bringing 'Custom of the Country' to life on the big screen, guided by Josie Rourke’s vision to translate Edith Wharton’s incisive and timeless insights into a new cinematic experience. We are delighted to partner once more with the extraordinarily talented Sydney Sweeney in the formidable role of Undine Spragg."
