Leo Woodall Joins Sydney Sweeney in New Edith Wharton Film "Custom of the Country"

A period drama adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel, "The Custom of the Country," is moving forward with notable cast additions. Sydney Sweeney is set to lead and produce, with Leo Woodall now confirmed to join the cast. The project aims to bring Wharton's complex story of social ambition to the screen, drawing parallels to other historical dramas.

Context

"The Custom of the Country" is a forthcoming film adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1913 novel of the same name. The story centers on Undine Spragg, a fiercely ambitious woman from the Midwest who uses various means to ascend the social hierarchy of Gilded Age New York City. Sydney Sweeney is attached to play Undine Spragg and will also serve as a producer on the film.

The project is being developed by Studiocanal and Charles Finch's Rabbit’s Foot Films, with Alison Owen of Monumental Pictures also producing. Josie Rourke, known for directing "Mary Queen of Scots," is directing and adapted the screenplay from Wharton's novel. Casting director Nina Gold is responsible for assembling the ensemble cast.

Leo Woodall has been announced to star opposite Sweeney. Both actors previously collaborated on HBO's "The White Lotus," with Sweeney appearing in its first season and Woodall in its second. Woodall's recent work includes "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" and "Nuremberg," and he is also set to appear in Netflix's adaptation of "Vladimir." The specific role Woodall will play in "The Custom of the Country" has not yet been revealed.

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The film is described as a dark comedy and a historical drama. Production is slated to begin soon, with cameras expected to roll shortly. No release date has been announced for the film.

Evidence

• Sydney Sweeney is confirmed to star as Undine Spragg and produce the film adaptation of "The Custom of the Country." (Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)

• Leo Woodall will star in the film. (Article 1)

• Josie Rourke is directing and adapted the screenplay. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)

• The film is being produced by Studiocanal and Charles Finch's Rabbit’s Foot Films, with Alison Owen of Monumental Pictures also involved. (Articles 2, 3, 5, 6)

• Casting director Nina Gold is assembling the cast. (Articles 5, 7)

• Both Sweeney and Woodall are alumni of "The White Lotus." (Article 1)

• The adaptation is based on Edith Wharton's 1913 novel. (Articles 2, 4, 5, 6)

• Production is expected to begin soon, with cameras "rolling soon" or "right away." (Articles 6, 7)

Undine Spragg: A Character on Screen

"The Custom of the Country" centers on the character of Undine Spragg, a woman driven by social ambition. Sources describe her as "fiercely ambitious," a "force of nature," and potentially "unlikable."

• Undine Spragg's Ambition: She is characterized by her relentless drive to climb the social ladder in New York City during a period of significant economic and social change. (Articles 2, 5)

• Portrayal Challenges: The novel's protagonist is noted as being "so far not translatable to screen or stage," suggesting the complexity of bringing such a character to visual media. (Article 4)

• Director's Vision: Director Josie Rourke refers to Undine Spragg as the "original dangerous woman" and feels Sweeney's casting was "meant to be." (Article 7)

Production and Direction

The film is moving forward with established production companies and a director with prior experience in period dramas.

• Key Companies: Studiocanal, Rabbit’s Foot Films, and Monumental Pictures are producing the film. (Articles 2, 3, 5, 6)

• Director's Background: Josie Rourke previously directed the film "Mary Queen of Scots." (Articles 2, 4, 6)

• Screenplay Adaptation: Rourke adapted the script directly from Edith Wharton's novel. (Articles 2, 3)

• Filming Commencement: Reports indicate that principal photography is imminent. (Articles 6, 7)

Casting and Previous Work

The casting of Sydney Sweeney and Leo Woodall brings together two actors with shared experience on a popular HBO series.

• Sydney Sweeney's Role: Beyond starring as Undine Spragg, Sweeney is also taking on a producer role for the adaptation. (Articles 3, 5, 6, 7)

• Leo Woodall's Involvement: Woodall's specific character has not been detailed, but his inclusion marks a significant addition to the cast. (Article 1)

• Shared History: Both actors are recognized for their roles in HBO's "The White Lotus," with Sweeney earning an Emmy nomination for her performance in the first season. (Article 1)

• Other Projects: Woodall has recent credits in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" and "Nuremberg," and an upcoming role in Netflix's "Vladimir." (Article 1)

Expert Analysis

While the provided articles do not contain direct quotes from external film critics or analysts specifically discussing this adaptation, insights can be inferred from the project's description and the background of those involved.

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• The novel itself is referred to as Wharton's "greatest work" and a "classic." (Articles 2, 6)

• The adaptation is presented as potentially filling a gap, being a "previously un-filmable movie version." (Article 4)

• Comparisons are drawn to "The Gilded Age," another television series focusing on a similar historical period and social dynamics. (Article 1)

Conclusion

"The Custom of the Country" film adaptation is advancing with Sydney Sweeney in the lead role and as a producer, and Leo Woodall joining the cast. The project, directed and adapted by Josie Rourke, is backed by Studiocanal, Rabbit’s Foot Films, and Monumental Pictures. Based on Edith Wharton's renowned novel, the film aims to translate the story of Undine Spragg's ambitious rise through New York society to the screen. Principal photography is reportedly set to commence shortly. The specific roles for all cast members and the film's release date remain undisclosed.

• Collider: https://collider.com/sydney-sweeney-historical-dark-comedy-custom-of-the-country-adaptation-cast-white-lotus-star-leo-woodall-the-gilded-age-replacement/

• STUDIOCANAL: https://www.studiocanal.com/news/custom-of-the-country-sydney-sweeney-to-star-produce-josie-rourke-directs-adapting-the-script-from-edith-whartons-classic-novel/

• Deadline: https://deadline.com/2026/01/sydney-sweeney-custom-of-the-country-edith-wharton-1236691959/

• Showbiz411: https://www.showbiz411.com/2026/01/22/sydney-sweeney-to-star-in-previously-un-filmable-movie-version-of-edith-wharton-novel-custom-of-the-country

• The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sydney-sweeney-star-custom-of-the-country-edith-wharton-1236480618/

• GeekTyrant: https://geektyrant.com/news/sydney-sweeney-set-to-star-in-and-produce-studiocanals-film-adaptation-of-custom-of-the-country

• Al Bawaba: https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/sydney-sweeney-star-and-produce-film-1620753