The Custom of the Country (film)

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The Custom of the Country
Directed byJosie Rourke
Screenplay byJosie Rourke
Based on
The Custom of the Country
by Edith Wharton
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyRuben Impens
Production
companies
Distributed byStudioCanal
Countries
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

The Custom of the Country is an upcoming tragicomedy film written and directed by Josie Rourke, based on the 1913 novel by Edith Wharton.

Premise

An ambitious woman moves to New York City from the Midwest, looking to climb the city's social ladder.

Cast

Production

In October 2014, it was announced the Edith Wharton novel was being developed as a miniseries by Sony Pictures TV, with Scarlett Johansson set to star in and executive produce.[1] This iteration of the adaptation ultimately did not proceed forward, with an announcement in May 2020 that Sofia Coppola was now developing the series for Apple TV+.[2] Florence Pugh was set to star, however the project was cancelled in 2021. In a 2024 interview with The New Yorker, Coppola stated Apple TV+ cancelled the project as they found the main character too "unlikeable".[3] In 2026, she revealed that she had wanted Jennifer Lawrence for the role originally and attributed budgetary issues for the Pugh version, saying: "In my head, she's Undine. I think it required a big star and a big budget, so that iteration didn't happen."[4]

In October 2024, Josie Rourke was now set to direct the film, with the German Film- und Medienstiftung providing the production €600,000.[5] In January 2026, it was announced the adaptation was now set as a film through StudioCanal, with Sydney Sweeney set to star and produce. Rourke would state that Sweeney had been the actress she had in mind for the role of Undine while she was writing the screenplay.[6][7][8] In February, Leo Woodall joined the cast.[9] Josh Finan, Louis Garrel, Matthew Goode, Rose Leslie, Martha Plimpton, and Irène Jacob were among those added to the cast in March.[10][11]

Filming began in February 2026, with production occurring in Portugal.[12][13] Ruben Impens serves as cinematographer.[14]

References

  1. Andreeva, Nellie (October 7, 2014). "Scarlett Johansson To Star In 'Custom Of The Country' Limited Series For Sony TV". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  2. White, Peter (May 12, 2020). "Apple & Sofia Coppola Developing Adaptation Of Edith Wharton's Novel 'The Custom Of The Country' For TV". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  3. Sharf, Zack (January 22, 2024). "Sofia Coppola Thought Apple 'Had Endless Resources' — Then the Studio 'Pulled Our Funding' on TV Series With Florence Pugh: 'It's a Real Drag'". Variety. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  4. Ruiz, Michelle (March 18, 2026). "Sofia Coppola Was Always in Fashion". Elle. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  5. Blaney, Martin (October 29, 2024). "Edith Wharton adaptation 'The Custom Of The Country', directed by Josie Rourke, wins German funding". ScreenDaily. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  6. Kroll, Justin (January 21, 2026). "Sydney Sweeney To Star In And Produce 'Custom Of The Country' From Studiocanal & Rabbit's Foot Films; Josie Rourke Directing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  7. Rubin, Rebecca (January 21, 2026). "Sydney Sweeney to Star in Edith Wharton Adaptation 'Custom of the Country' as 'Original Dangerous Woman'". Variety. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  8. Gajewski, Ryan (January 21, 2026). "Sydney Sweeney to Star in Movie Based on Edith Wharton Novel 'Custom of the Country'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  9. Kroll, Justin (February 17, 2026). "Leo Woodall Joins Sydney Sweeney In The Studiocanal And Rabbit's Foot Films Pic 'Custom Of The Country'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  10. Ritman, Alex (March 4, 2026). "Josh Finan Joins Sydney Sweeney and Leo Woodall in 'Custom of the Country' From Studiocanal and Rabbit's Foot Films (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  11. Kroll, Justin (March 11, 2026). "Louis Garrel, Matthew Goode, Rose Leslie, Martha Plimpton And Irene Jacob Join Sydney Sweeney In 'The Custom Of The Country'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  12. Jacobs, Rebecah (February 28, 2026). "Sydney Sweeney shows off her soccer skills on Portugal pitch". ¡Hola!. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  13. "Studiocanal's 'The Custom Of The Country' begins filming in Portugal". Screen Global Production. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  14. "Ruben Impens, SBC". LUX Artists. Retrieved April 20, 2026.