Sofia Coppola Adapts Edith Wharton Novel for Apple TV+, Netflix Greenlights ‘Sweet Tooth’ Series

Director-screenwriter Sofia Coppola is developing an adaptation of the 1913 Edith Wharton novel “The Custom of the Country” for Apple TV+.

This is the Oscar winner’s first foray into episodic TV.

Wharton wrote piercing social commentaries on upper-class life at the turn of the 20th century. “The Custom of the Country” is the story of Undine Spragg, a girl from the Midwest eager to enter New York society.

“Undine Spragg is my favorite literary anti-heroine, and I’m excited to bring her to the screen for the first time,” Coppola stated.

The potential limited series is her second project for the streamer. Coppola (“Lost in Translation,” “Marie Antoinette,”) also wrote and directed the upcoming “On the Rocks” with Bill Murray and Rashida Jones.

Also on the adaption front, Netflix has greenlit a series adaptation of Jeff Lemire’s “Sweet Tooth” comic book. Stars slated for the eight-episode drama include Christian Convery, Will Forte and James Brolin.
Robert Downey Jr’s Team Downey will produce.

The drama is about the adventures of Gus, part deer-part boy who leaves the forest only to find a damaged outside world. He joins forces with both humans and animal-children to navigate this strange new world.

Convery (“Beautiful Boy”) plays Gus; Brolin will narrate the series.

In addition, Netflix and Fandango have teamed to develop a series based on “The Lying Life of Adults,” the latest novel by the popular Italian novelist Elena Ferrante. The novel focuses on Giovanna, as she comes of age in a divided Naples.

The book was published in Italy last fall and will be launched globally in 25 countries, including the U.S., this September. Ferrante’s books have been translated into 45 languages.