Sofia Coppola Says Her Five-Hour Apple TV+ Series Got Axed Because ‘the Idea of an Unlikable’ Female Lead ‘Wasn’t Their Thing’

News broke in May 2020 that Sofia Coppola was partnering with Apple TV+ to develop a series adaptation of Edith Whartons 1913 novel The Custom of the Country. Three years later, the project is dead. Why? In a new interview with The New York Times, Coppola claimed that Apple execs did not want to spend the money on her five-hour adaptation due to issues they had with the main character.

The idea of an unlikable woman wasnt their thing, Coppola said. But thats what Im saying about whos in charge.

The people in charge of giving money are usually straight men, still, she said earlier in the interview. Theres always people in lower levels who are like myself, but then the bosses have a certain sensibility If its so hard for me to get financing as an established person, I worry about younger women starting out. Its surprising that its still a struggle.

Apple did not return Varietys request for comment. The company did not entirely abandon Wharton, however, as it has an adaptation of the authors unfinished novel The Buccaneers set for a streaming debut next month. Apple has a variety of shows featuring female protagonists, from The Morning Show to Bad Sisters.

The Custom of the Country tells the story of Undine Spragg, a Midwestern girl who attempts to ascend in New York City society. Coppola called Undine her favorite literary anti-heroine when the project was first announced. She previously worked with Apple on her 2020 father-daughter dramedy On the Rocks, starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray.

Coppolas latest directorial effort is Priscilla, which has received praise from critics since its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. She told The New York Times that a bulk of financing for the film fell through last October right before the start of production. An entire week of filming had to be cut as the budget was down $2 million, which brought the total shoot schedule to 30 days.

It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, Coppola said.

Priscilla is now playing in select theaters and opens nationwide Nov. 3 from A24.