Sydney Sweeney's Lead Role in 'The Custom of the Country' Signals Major Career Milestone

After joining Screen Rant in January 2026, Guy progressed to Senior Features Writer by March, focusing on classic television series. His extensive background includes writing and editing across multiple media formats, covering genres such as sitcoms, animation, crime dramas, westerns, and political thrillers.

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Amidst a resurgence in her career, actress Sydney Sweeney is poised for significant roles in upcoming films. Her performance in The Housemaid demonstrated remarkable range, setting the stage for more complex characters. Notably, her upcoming role in Scandalous as Kim Novak has garnered attention, though The Custom of the Country promises even greater challenges. This period drama, based on Edith Wharton's seminal work, marks Sweeney's first major lead in a cinematic adaptation. Co-produced by her own company, Fifty-Fifty Films, alongside esteemed studios, the project features Sweeney as Undine Spragg—a cunning social climber navigating the opulent yet treacherous world of late 19th-century New York. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film explores themes of ambition and societal hypocrisy, with Sweeney tasked with translating Wharton's intricate narrative to the screen. The adaptation, currently in production in Lisbon, Portugal, under the helm of acclaimed filmmaker Josie Rourke, holds potential for both critical and commercial success. Sweeney's previous Oscar-nominated role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood underscores her capability to tackle demanding roles, and industry observers anticipate this latest endeavor will further cement her status as a versatile leading lady. As the film enters production, anticipation builds around Sweeney's interpretation of Undine Spragg—a character poised to test her artistic boundaries and redefine her legacy.

Sydney Sweeney's Portrayal of Undine Spragg: A Career Defining Moment

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Successfully embodying Undine Spragg would mark a pivotal moment in Sweeney's career, transitioning from typecast perceptions to recognition as a serious dramatic actor. The role demands emotional depth and nuanced performance, qualities that align with Sweeney's evolving artistic ambitions. As the film prepares for release, audiences eagerly await her interpretation of Wharton's iconic antiheroine, a character whose journey mirrors Sweeney's own trajectory toward creative fulfillment.

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This role represents a potential breakthrough, offering Sweeney the opportunity to showcase her versatility beyond conventional leading lady tropes. With its historical significance and artistic ambition, The Custom of the Country stands as a defining project for the actor, promising both professional growth and lasting impact on contemporary storytelling.

• Period drama with rich character development
• Collaboration with acclaimed director Sofia Coppola
• Exploration of societal dynamics through a female protagonist's lens

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