Sofia Coppola recently announced that her Apple TV+ adaptation of Edith Wharton’s renowned novel The Custom of the Country has been canceled due to concerns about the unlikeable nature of the female protagonist.
In an exclusive interview with The New York Times , the Oscar-winning director revealed that she initially intended to create a five-hour limited series for the streaming platform. However, due to budget constraints, the executives were unsatisfied with the central character, Undine Spragg, a young social climber.
“The idea of featuring an unlikable female lead was not their preference,” said Coppola. “But it speaks to who holds the power.”
Madison McGaw/BFA.com/Shutterstock Sofia Coppola
Apple TV+ representatives have not yet responded to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment.
Originally published in 1913, The Custom of the Country follows the Spragg family as they relocate to New York with the intention of marrying off their daughter, Undine, to a wealthy individual. The story revolves around Undine’s desire to conquer high society, and her romantic entanglements, which begin with Ralph, a lawyer and poet.
Coppola, who wrote a foreword for a recent Random House reprint of Wharton’s novel, has previously expressed her admiration for Undine while acknowledging the divisive reactions toward the character, particularly among men. In an article for LitHub, she emphasized the fascination and complex emotions that Undine evokes, stating, “While I’ve often worked on stories with more sympathetic characters, it’s been so fun to dive into Undine’s world and pursuits.”
Coppola concluded, “Undine is a character I simultaneously love and dislike, and she reminds us of the many similar figures we encounter in real life.”
In the meantime, Coppola’s latest film, Priscilla, which is based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir Elvis and Me from 1985, was released in theaters this past weekend.
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