The limited period drama series, The Custom of the Country, is set to premiere on Apple TV Plus, and fans of period dramas have a reason to celebrate. If you’re tired of seeing the same books adapted repeatedly, here’s some good news: Sofia Coppola is bringing Edith Wharton’s classic novel, The Custom of the Country, to the screen for the first time.
Here’s what we know about the TV show so far:
Sofia Coppola to Write and Direct
Sofia Coppola, known for her work on Lost in Translation, The Beguiled, and Marie Antoinette, will write and direct this series for Apple TV Plus. Although this is her first time doing episodic television, she has a strong track record with period drama movies. So, we can expect this series to be high quality.
The show will likely be an episodic limited series. Even though it hasn’t been officially described as a period drama, the story originates from an early twentieth-century novel, suggesting it will be set in pre-World War I New York, complete with period costumes.
In a statement to Variety, Coppola mentioned that Undine Spragg is her favorite literary anti-heroine, and she’s excited to bring her to the screen for the first time.
About The Custom of the Country
While there’s no official synopsis for the series yet, The Custom of the Country is about Undine Spragg, who is a social climber reminiscent of Becky Sharp. The novel was published in 1913 by Edith Wharton, who also wrote The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence. Despite its significance, it has never been adapted before.
Penguin Random House describes Undine as an exceptionally beautiful but fiercely ambitious young woman from the Midwest who moves to New York seeking her fortune. She reaches her social goals but at a high cost to her family, admirers, and several husbands. Wharton’s portrayal of Undine is complex, making the novel rich in social and emotional detail.
Did the Book Inspire Downton Abbey?
Fans of Downton Abbey might be interested in this series because Julian Fellowes has said that The Custom of the Country influenced his writing. He compared Undine to other famous literary anti-heroines like Becky Sharp, Scarlett O’Hara, and Lizzy Eustace, noting that Wharton’s writing makes you root for Undine despite her flaws. This book was a significant inspiration for Fellowes, contributing to his work on Snobs and Downton Abbey.
Dream Cast?
No one has been officially cast yet, but Florence Pugh could be a strong choice for the role of Undine. Pugh made the unlikeable Amy from Little Women into a more relatable and likable character, proving she has the skills to take on such a challenging role.
When Will the Series Premiere?
The production is still in the early stages, so we likely won’t see the series for a while. However, the announcement itself is exciting because it indicates that American entertainment is starting to value what has worked well for British television for years: limited period dramas based on classic novels. This adaptation could mark the beginning of a new trend.
Are you excited about this adaptation of The Custom of the Country? Who would you cast in the main roles? Let’s discuss in the comments below.
