NewKerala.com

Sydney Sweeney to Star as "Original Dangerous Woman" in 'Custom of the Country'

Actress Sydney Sweeney is set to star in and produce a film adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel "The Custom of the Country." She will play Undine Spragg, an ambitious woman climbing the social ladder in turn-of-the-century New York. Director Josie Rourke, who is writing the adaptation, called the casting "kismet" and described Spragg as the "original dangerous woman." The project moves forward after a previous adaptation attempt by Sofia Coppola, which was to star Florence Pugh, did not materialize.

Key Points: Sydney Sweeney to Lead 'Custom of the Country' Film Adaptation

  • Sydney Sweeney to star and produce
  • Adaptation of Edith Wharton's classic novel
  • Josie Rourke directing and writing
  • Character Undine Spragg described as "original dangerous woman"
  • Principal photography to begin soon
2 min read

Sydney Sweeney to star in Edith Wharton's novel 'Custom of the Country' film adaptation

Sydney Sweeney will star in and produce a film adaptation of Edith Wharton's classic novel 'The Custom of the Country,' playing the ambitious Undine Spragg.

"It's as if Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her. - Josie Rourke"

Washington DC, January 22

Actress Sydney Sweeney will star in and produce a film adaptation of 'Custom of the Country', a classic Edith Wharton novel, reported Variety.

According to Variety, Josie Rourke is directing and writing the adaptation of the classic Edith Wharton novel. Sweeney plays Undine Spragg, an ambitious Midwestern woman who attempts to ascend the social ladder in turn-of-the-century New York.

As described in the official press release, Undine Spragg, "armed with beauty, daring/hustle and sheer force of will and unwavering ambition, battles an entrenched elite, fearlessly courting controversy, until love and fortune align," reported Variety.

Casting director Nina Gold is in the process of building the ensemble around Sweeney, according to a press release. Principal photography is expected to begin imminently.

Rourke describes Undine Spragg as the "original dangerous woman" and feels the casting of Sweeney is kismet, adding that it's as if "Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her," reported Variety.

"Edith Wharton's character has forever fascinated, seduced and infuriated readers. '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," Rourke said in a statement as quoted by Variety.

"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," added Rourke.

Filmmaker Sofia Coppola had planned in 2020 to turn Wharton's novel into a miniseries starring Florence Pugh, but the project, set at Apple, never came to fruition, as per Variety.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As a literature student, I'm thrilled to see classic novels getting adaptations. Edith Wharton's work is so sharp on society's hypocrisies. The "original dangerous woman" tagline is perfect. Hope they do justice to the book's critique of wealth and ambition.
R
Rohit P
Sounds like a solid project. Sydney is a bankable star now. But honestly, I wish our Bollywood would also adapt such classic Indian novels with this kind of scale and intent. We have so many great stories by Tagore, Premchand, or even modern authors.
S
Sarah B
The director saying it's "as if Wharton wrote the role for her" is a bit much, no? That's a huge claim. Florence Pugh would have been fascinating too. Still, period dramas are always a visual treat. Will watch for the storytelling.
K
Karthik V
The theme of social climbing and battling an entrenched elite is so universal and timeless. You can find similar stories in every society, including ours. Hope the film captures that essence and isn't just a pretty costume drama.
N
Nisha Z
Principal photography starting soon! That's exciting. Josie Rourke is a talented director. Curious to see who else joins the cast with Nina Gold involved. These classic adaptations can be hit or miss, but the team seems promising. Fingers crossed! 🤞

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50