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Leo Woodall officially joins Sydney Sweeney in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s classic novel Custom of the Country. The casting announcement on February 17 positions the project as a major Hollywood event with two rising stars at its center.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Director: Josie Rourke (Mary Queen of Scots) adapting and directing
- Studio: Studiocanal fully financing, with Rabbit’s Foot Films partnering
- Novel Source: Edith Wharton’s 1913 literary masterpiece about ambition
- Release Date: TBA, theatrical rollout across UK, France, Germany, Australia
The Story Behind Undine Spragg’s Rise
Sydney Sweeney plays Undine Spragg, a fiercely ambitious Midwestern woman determined to penetrate New York’s elite social circles at the turn of the century. Armed with beauty, calculated charm, and unwavering determination, Undine uses her wits to climb the social ladder across America and Europe. The character embodies Wharton’s biting satire on social mobility and the cost of ambition.
The novel explores themes of reinvention, power dynamics, and the complex marriages Undine navigates to secure her position. Sweeney’s casting as the original dangerous woman signals a fresh take on this timeless exploration of female agency in high society.
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Leo Woodall’s Major Hollywood Ascent
With 29-year-old Leo Woodall joining the adaptation, the project captures two of entertainment’s most compelling young talents. Woodall recently gained international recognition through The White Lotus Season 2 and the romantic comedy Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. His career continues accelerating with multiple major projects in development.
The British actor earned strong critical reviews for his supporting role in Nuremberg alongside Russell Crowe and Rami Malek. He’s simultaneously starring in Vladimir, a Netflix limited series with Rachel Weisz debuting March 6, and leading Tuner opposite Dustin Hoffman, releasing spring 2026. His involvement signals Studiocanal’s commitment to assembling world-class talent.
Director Josie Rourke Brings Literary Vision to Screen
Director and screenwriter Josie Rourke previously adapted the period drama Mary Queen of Scots, demonstrating her skill with complex female characters in historical contexts. She’s tasked with translating Wharton’s sophisticated social satire into contemporary cinema while maintaining the novel’s early 20th-century setting.
| Detail | Information |
| Director | Josie Rourke |
| Cast | Sydney Sweeney, Leo Woodall, TBA |
| Studio | Studiocanal, Rabbit’s Foot Films |
| Source Material | Edith Wharton novel (1913) |
“Leo Woodall is set to co-star opposite Sydney Sweeney in a movie adaptation of Edith Wharton’s classic novel Custom of the Country for Studiocanal and Charles Finch’s Rabbit’s Foot Films.”
– Deadline, February 17, 2026
Production Details and International Scope
The film is fully financed by Studiocanal, which will release it theatrically across major territories including the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Benelux. International sales launched at the European Film Market in Berlin, indicating strong confidence in the project’s commercial appeal.
Casting director Nina Gold continues building the ensemble cast around Sweeney and Woodall. EVP Global Production Ron Halpern, U.S. Chief Creative Officer Shana Eddy-Grouf, and VP Development Isobel Carter oversee the production for Studiocanal, with Charles Finch and Owen from Monumental Pictures co-producing.
What Should Fans Expect from This Adaptation?
Wharton’s novel remains one of literature’s sharpest critiques of American social climbing and feminine cunning. The adaptation promises to preserve the author’s biting wit while exploring timeless questions about ambition, morality, and reinvention. With Rourke’s directorial sensibilities and Sweeney’s proven ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters, the film has significant awards-season potential.
While an official release date remains unconfirmed, a 2027 theatrical debut appears likely given production timelines for a period film of this scale. The project marks a major milestone for both Woodall and Sweeney as they transition into prestige cinema beyond television.
Sources
- Deadline – Exclusive casting announcement and production details
- Variety – Josh Finan joins cast updates and production timeline
- Hollywood.com – Comprehensive coverage of film adaptation and cast confirmations
