Sydney Sweeney’s New Film Faces Backlash After Original Series Scrapped
Sydney Sweeney is set to star in a film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country, a project that was once envisioned as a high-profile TV series with Florence Pugh and Sofia Coppola. Why did the vision change, and what does it mean for the story?
Edith Wharton’s celebrated novel, The Custom of the Country, was once on track to become a major television event. The original plan called for a prestige limited series, with Sofia Coppola attached as director and Florence Pugh set to lead. That version, however, never made it past the development stage. Now, the story is heading to the big screen, with Sydney Sweeney taking on the lead role, according to recent industry reports.
Sweeney’s career has seen its share of ups and downs over the past year. She faced public scrutiny during the American Eagle controversy and saw Christy underperform at the box office. Still, her performance in The Housemaid was a commercial success, helping to restore her reputation. With this new project, the question remains: is this the right move for both Sweeney and the adaptation?
Production Details and Sweeney’s Role
Josie Rourke is set to direct and adapt The Custom of the Country for film. The production is backed by Studiocanal and Rabbit’s Foot Films, with principal photography scheduled to begin soon. Plans are in place for a wide theatrical release across multiple markets.
Sweeney will portray Undine Spragg, a determined woman from the Midwest who fights her way into high society. Rourke has expressed strong enthusiasm for both the character and her lead actress, stating:
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.
In addition to starring, Sweeney will also serve as a producer on the film. On paper, this marks a significant step in her career, but some fans and critics are questioning whether the project’s new direction is a step down from its original vision.
From Prestige TV to Feature Film: What Changed?
The initial concept—a limited series helmed by Sofia Coppola—promised a deep, nuanced exploration of Wharton’s novel. The shift to a feature film format raises concerns about whether the story’s complexity can be fully realized in a shorter runtime. The risk is that the adaptation may feel rushed or overly condensed.
While Sweeney brings undeniable charisma to her roles, many believe Florence Pugh would have delivered a standout performance as Undine. The change in format and casting has sparked debate among fans about what might have been if the original plan had moved forward.