Sydney Sweeney to play a high-society bride hunter.

Sydney Sweeney to Star in Film Adaptation of Edith Wharton’s Classic Novel "The Custom of the Country" Studiocanal and Rabbit’s Foot Films have officially announced the greenlighting of a film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s renowned literary masterpiece, *The Custom of the Country*. Rising star Sydney Sweeney, best known for her breakout role in *The Handmaid’s Tale*, has been cast as the lead character, Undine Spragg. This ambitious and cunning social climber has long embodied themes of defiance and the challenge to traditional high-society norms. This project marks a pivotal milestone in Sweeney’s career, showcasing her transition into more substantial literary adaptations and intricate dramatic roles. **A Timeless Classic Comes to the Screen** Published in 1913, *The Custom of the Country* is considered among Edith Wharton’s most influential works. The novel offers an incisive look into the morals and social dynamics of America’s elite during the early 20th century. It explores themes of social ambition, marriage as a strategic tool for status, and the tension between inherited wealth and the rise of new money from the provinces. The story follows Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who relentlessly seeks entry into New York high society—and eventually European aristocracy. Her journey, characterized by a series of marriages, scandals, and social schemes, mirrors the rapid economic and cultural shifts of the era. **Director Josie Rourke’s Creative Vision** Josie Rourke, acclaimed for directing the historical drama *Mary Queen of Scots*, will oversee the project as director and screenwriter. In her statement, Rourke emphasized the importance of the novel’s central figure. She described Undine Spragg as one of literature’s earliest “dangerous” women—a protagonist who defies societal moral expectations and acts solely in her own self-interest. Rourke highlighted the enduring relevance of the novel, noting that Undine’s character remains strikingly modern more than a century after its publication. While developing the screenplay, Rourke envisioned Sydney Sweeney in the role, believing her talent and versatility make her a perfect fit for this complex and contradictory character. **Themes: Ambition, Scandal, and Social Climbing** The narrative revolves around a fiercely determined young woman endowed with beauty, boldness, and unwavering confidence. Undine challenges the insular and often dismissive world of New York’s aristocracy, navigating a tumultuous landscape of social intrigue, marriage of convenience, and public confrontations. Spanning both America and Europe, the story underscores the vast scope of Undine’s ambitions and the significant impact she has on her surroundings—often with destructive consequences. **A Career Milestone for Sydney Sweeney** *The Custom of the Country* marks a significant step forward in Sydney Sweeney’s already impressive career. Following her 2026 success with *The Handmaid*, which surpassed $200 million globally and is already spawning a sequel, Sweeney continues to build her reputation as a formidable actress. Her acclaimed portrayal of boxer Christy Martin in the biopic *Christy* demonstrated her capacity for deep, transformative performances. Now, she is poised to embody one of literature’s most complex and controversial heroines—a character both captivating and challenging, whose influence is as profound as it is destructive. **Production Timeline and Expectations** Filming for *The Custom of the Country* is set to commence soon. Although an official release date has yet to be announced, anticipation among audiences and critics is high, given the source material’s literary significance, Josie Rourke’s directing pedigree, and Sweeney’s rising star power. This adaptation is poised to be a major cinematic event, blending classic American literature with contemporary storytelling, and further cementing Sydney Sweeney’s status as a leading actress of her generation.