Sydney Sweeney is set to star in a new film adaptation of The Custom of the Country, the classic novel by Edith Wharton. The project is being developed by Studiocanal in collaboration with Charles Finch’s Rabbit’s Foot Films.
The film will be directed by Josie Rourke, who also adapted the screenplay from Wharton’s novel. According to the production team, principal photography is expected to begin shortly.
In a statement announcing the project, Rourke described Undine Spragg — the story’s central character — as one of literature’s most compelling figures. She noted that the novel captures a period of major social and economic change and remains strikingly modern in its themes. Rourke added that Sweeney stood out as a natural choice for the role while developing the adaptation.
Sweeney will portray Undine Spragg, an ambitious young woman from the American Midwest who seeks social and financial success in early 20th-century New York. The character navigates elite social circles with determination and confidence as she pursues status, love, and opportunity.
The film will be produced by Sweeney, Charles Finch, Alison Owen of Monumental Pictures, and Studiocanal. Studiocanal will fully finance the project and plans a theatrical release across its international territories, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and the Benelux region. Worldwide sales will be introduced at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.
Casting director Nina Gold is currently assembling the supporting cast. Oversight for Studiocanal includes EVP of Global Production Ron Halpern, U.S. Chief Creative Officer Shana Eddy-Grouf, and VP of Development and Production Isobel Carter.
Sweeney has recently appeared in several high-profile projects, including The Housemaid, which surpassed $200 million at the global box office and is set to receive a sequel. She also earned positive reviews for her performance as boxer Christy Martin in the biographical film Christy.
Rourke is best known for her feature film debut Mary Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.
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