Sydney Sweeney is set to star in a forthcoming literary adaptation, following the resounding success of her latest film, "The Housemaid," which has surpassed $200 million at the global box office. Sweeney will produce and star in "Custom of the Country," a feature film adaptation of Edith Wharton's classic 1913 novel, for StudioCanal and Rabbit's Foot Films. Josie Rourke, who directed "Mary Queen of Scots," will helm the film from her own script.
In "Custom of the Country," Sweeney takes on the role of Undine Spragg, an ambitious Midwestern woman seeking to climb the social ladder in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. Casting director Nina Gold is currently building an ensemble cast around Sweeney's lead role, with the aim of commencing principal photography soon. Sweeney will produce alongside Charles Finch for Rabbit's Foot Films and Alison Owen for Monumental Pictures. StudioCanal is fully financing the project and will release it theatrically in its overseas territories, along with launching worldwide sales at EFM.
Rourke describes Undine Spragg as "the original dangerous woman," noting that Wharton's character has forever fascinated, seduced, and infuriated readers. "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 Rourke was writing the adaptation, Sweeney lived in her head as this iconic character. "It's as if Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her," Rourke says.
Finch adds that he has worked for many years to bring "Custom of the Country" to the screen and is delighted with Rourke's adaptation and Sweeney's power, passion, and fun in the role. StudioCanal CEO and Canal+ chief content officer Anna Marsh notes that they are thrilled to be involved in bringing "Custom of the Country" to the big screen, led by Rourke's vision to carry Wharton's sharp and timeless observations into a new cinematic era.
Sweeney is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Wasserman, and attorney Stewart Brookman. Rourke is repped by Marnie Podos at Under New Mgmt and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
