Leo Woodall’s star has been steadily rising in Hollywood, but February 2026 marked a new chapter in his already impressive career. The 29-year-old British actor was officially announced as the co-lead opposite Sydney Sweeney in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1913 novel Custom of the Country, according to Deadline Hollywood. This casting news, which quickly sent ripples through the entertainment industry, signals not just another period drama, but a potential cinematic event that could finally bring Wharton’s biting social satire to the big screen.
Woodall’s journey to this pivotal moment is a story of both heritage and hard-won opportunity. Born Leo Vincent Woodall on September 14, 1996, in Hammersmith, West London, he grew up in Shepherd’s Bush as the youngest of three siblings. Acting runs in the family: his father, Andrew Woodall, has graced productions from Solo: A Star Wars Story to acclaimed British television, while his mother, Jane Mary Ashton, studied drama herself. Even his stepfather, Alexander Morton, is an actor, and the family tree traces back to silent film legend Maxine Elliott. With roots like these, perhaps it’s no surprise that Leo Woodall gravitated toward the stage and screen, but his path was not preordained. As reported by IBTimes AU, he initially considered a career in sports, only pivoting to acting after being inspired by the series Peaky Blinders.
Woodall’s formal training began at age 19, when he enrolled at the prestigious Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in London. He graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting—a foundation that would serve him well as he moved quickly from classroom to camera. His first professional television appearance came that same year with a guest role on the BBC’s medical drama Holby City. He followed up with work in short films like Man Down and features such as Nomad and the Russo Brothers’ Cherry (2021), where he played a soldier alongside Tom Holland. Woodall described the experience as a “low-pressure, fun environment” that introduced him to the workings of a major film set.
But it was his breakout role as Jack in season two of HBO’s The White Lotus in 2022 that truly catapulted him into the international spotlight. Woodall’s portrayal of the charming yet morally ambiguous Essex tourist drew praise for its blend of wit, vulnerability, and edge, capturing the attention of both critics and audiences. As IBTimes AU noted, the success of The White Lotus opened doors to a range of projects across genres, from the supernatural drama Vampire Academy on Peacock to a recurring role in Amazon’s action series Citadel.
His momentum continued in 2024 with Netflix’s adaptation of David Nicholls’ beloved novel One Day, where he starred as Dexter Mayhew opposite Ambika Mod. The miniseries, which follows two friends over two decades, showcased Woodall’s emotional range and on-screen chemistry, further cementing his reputation as a leading man in prestige streaming content. By 2026, Woodall was not only a familiar face to viewers but also an actor in high demand by major studios and platforms.
His latest projects reflect this rapid ascent. March 5, 2026, saw the premiere of Vladimir, a Netflix limited series based on Julia May Jonas’ 2022 novel. Starring opposite Rachel Weisz, Woodall plays the titular Vladimir, a younger colleague whose presence upends the life of a middle-aged professor. In interviews, he’s discussed the show’s exploration of desire, aging, and obsession—subjects that demand the kind of nuanced performance he’s become known for. Meanwhile, he leads the thriller Tuner with Dustin Hoffman and Havana Rose Liu, set for theatrical release in May 2026.
Yet it’s the role in Custom of the Country that may prove to be his most significant to date. The film, directed and written by Josie Rourke—best known for Mary Queen of Scots—is fully financed by Studiocanal, with production support from Rabbit’s Foot Films. According to Studiocanal, the adaptation will receive theatrical releases in the UK, France, Germany, and Australia, underscoring its international ambitions. Nina Gold, a casting director with a keen eye for ensemble chemistry, is assembling the supporting cast around Woodall and Sweeney.
Sydney Sweeney, celebrated for her performances in Euphoria and a string of box office hits, will take on the role of Undine Spragg—the novel’s fiercely ambitious protagonist. As Variety reports, Sweeney’s Undine is an unapologetic Midwestern woman determined to break into the exclusive circles of early 20th-century New York society. Using beauty, cunning, and relentless self-promotion, Undine challenges the entrenched elite, embodying Wharton’s sharp critique of Gilded Age ambition and materialism. Sweeney’s interpretation is expected to modernize the character for today’s audiences while preserving the novel’s satirical bite.
For Woodall, this pairing with Sweeney represents a dream collaboration. Both actors have demonstrated a capacity for complex, character-driven storytelling, and their on-screen chemistry is already generating anticipation. As Deadline Hollywood put it, “Leo Woodall is set to co-star opposite Sydney Sweeney in a movie adaptation of Edith Wharton’s classic novel Custom of the Country for Studiocanal and Charles Finch’s Rabbit’s Foot Films.” The question now is whether this adaptation, the first major theatrical attempt at Wharton’s novel, can capture the intricate social commentary and emotional depth that have made the book a classic for over a century.
The stakes are high for director Josie Rourke, whose screenplay must balance philosophical nuance with the demands of visual storytelling. The period setting, with its lavish costumes and intricate social politics, will require both authenticity and a fresh perspective to resonate with modern viewers. For Woodall and Sweeney, the film offers a chance to redefine their careers and perhaps even the genre itself.
Off-screen, Woodall is known for his understated style and private persona. He sports several tattoos—some acquired for roles—and maintains a low-key presence on social media. Despite the glare of the spotlight, he’s spoken candidly about his experiences with bullying in school and the importance of family support. While rumors have linked him romantically to Meghann Fahy from The White Lotus, he keeps his personal life guarded, focusing instead on the craft that has brought him to this pivotal moment.
With a packed schedule that includes upcoming projects like Prime Target and persistent rumors about a possible role in a new Harry Potter adaptation, Leo Woodall’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing. As he steps into the world of Edith Wharton and the ambitious Undine Spragg, audiences and critics alike will be watching closely to see if this adaptation lives up to its promise—and if Woodall and Sweeney can deliver the transformative performances the material demands.
For now, one thing is certain: Leo Woodall’s rise from West London drama student to leading man in one of 2026’s most talked-about films is a testament to talent, timing, and a touch of cinematic destiny.