Following her recent triumph in "The Housemaid," acclaimed actress Sydney Sweeney is set to embrace a new challenge: leading and producing a film based on Edith Wharton's seminal 1913 novel, "Custom of the Country." This ambitious project will see Sweeney embody Undine Spragg, a character driven by a relentless desire for social advancement within the intricate tapestry of early 20th-century New York City society.
Sweeney Takes the Lead in Wharton Adaptation, StudioCanal to Finance
In a significant cinematic announcement on January 21, 2026, it was revealed that Sydney Sweeney will star in and produce the upcoming film adaptation of Edith Wharton's classic novel, "Custom of the Country." The project, a collaboration between StudioCanal and Rabbit's Foot Films, will be directed by Josie Rourke, who also penned the screenplay. Rourke brings her directorial prowess, previously showcased in "Mary Queen of Scots," to this period drama. Sweeney will portray Undine Spragg, an ambitious Midwestern woman determined to conquer the social echelons of New York City at the turn of the 20th century. Nina Gold is currently casting the ensemble to complement Sweeney's lead, with filming anticipated to begin shortly. StudioCanal is providing full financial backing for the production and will oversee its theatrical release in international territories, concurrently initiating global sales at the European Film Market (EFM). Key figures from StudioCanal, including Ron Halpern, Shana Eddy-Grouf, and Isobel Carter, will supervise the film's development. This adaptation marks a new chapter after a previous series attempt by Sofia Coppola for Apple TV+ in 2020 was ultimately shelved. Sweeney's involvement comes on the heels of her latest success, Paul Feig's "The Housemaid," which has garnered over $200 million globally, further solidifying her prominent standing in the industry. Beyond this, Sweeney is preparing for the third season of HBO's "Euphoria" and has various other cinematic ventures lined up, including adaptations of "OutRun" and "Gundam."
The announcement of Sydney Sweeney's involvement in "Custom of the Country" offers an intriguing prospect for both literary enthusiasts and filmgoers. It underscores the enduring relevance of classic literature and the contemporary appeal of period dramas, especially when revitalized by fresh talent and visionary direction. Sweeney's choice to not only star but also produce suggests a deep artistic commitment to the source material and a desire to shape the narrative's interpretation. This project could potentially introduce Edith Wharton's incisive social commentary to a new generation, prompting reflections on ambition, societal pressures, and the pursuit of status, themes that remain strikingly pertinent in our modern world.
