Sydney Sweeney Film Replaces Sofia Coppola's Original Vision
A prestigious TV adaptation starring Florence Pugh under Sofia Coppola's direction was scrapped. Now Sydney Sweeney takes the lead in what many consider a lesser version of Edith Wharton's classic novel.
Edith Wharton's literary masterpiece was originally planned as a high-end television series. Sofia Coppola was attached to direct the adaptation, with Florence Pugh set to star as the lead character. That version never moved forward, and now audiences will get a feature film with Sydney Sweeney in the starring role instead.
Sweeney faced a challenging 2025, dealing with the American Eagle backlash and watching Christy bomb at theaters. The Housemaid managed to salvage some of her reputation, but questions remain about whether casting her was the right move for this particular project.
What We Know About Sweeney's Wharton Adaptation
Josie Rourke will write and direct The Custom of the Country for theaters. Studiocanal and Rabbit's Foot Films are backing the production, with filming set to begin shortly. The studios plan a wide theatrical rollout across multiple markets.
Sweeney will portray Undine Spragg, an ambitious woman from the Midwest who fights her way into high society circles. Director Rourke expressed enthusiasm about both the character and her casting choice:
"The Custom of the Country was Wharton's great American novel and Undine Spragg sweeps across America and through Europe at top speed, during a time of immense economic and social change. The book whistles with modernity and 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 also produces the film. On paper, this represents a significant career advancement for the actress. Some argue the project represents a step backward from the original concept.
Why the New Version Falls Short
A limited series format, particularly under Sofia Coppola's careful direction, would have served Wharton's complex narrative better. Converting the story into a single film risks compressing the plot or making it overly complicated.
While Sweeney brings undeniable screen charisma, Florence Pugh would have delivered an exceptional performance as Undine. The casting change raises questions about whether this adaptation will capture the source material's full potential.