Kim Novak Criticizes Casting of Sydney Sweeney in Upcoming Film About Her Life

Novak says Sweeney is 'totally wrong' to portray her in the drama 'Scandalous'.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:00pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered, glittering glass fragments reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the complex intersection of celebrity, scrutiny, and personal identity.The casting controversy over the upcoming film 'Scandalous' exposes the delicate balance between Hollywood's allure and the real-life figures whose stories it seeks to dramatize.Santa Barbara Today

Legendary actress Kim Novak has spoken out against the casting of Sydney Sweeney to play her in the upcoming film 'Scandalous,' which will dramatize Novak's relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. Novak says Sweeney 'sticks out so much above the waist' and that the film will focus too heavily on the sexual nature of her relationship with Davis rather than their personal connection.

Why it matters

Novak's criticism of the casting highlights the ongoing challenges of accurately portraying real-life figures on screen, especially when it comes to sensitive personal relationships and the control of one's own public image - issues Novak herself grappled with during her Hollywood heyday.

The details

The film 'Scandalous' is being developed by Miramax, with Colman Domingo attached to direct and David Jonsson set to play Sammy Davis Jr. Sweeney, who was announced for the role of Novak in 2024, has said she is 'incredibly honored' to take on the part, believing Novak's story is still very relevant today. However, Novak firmly disagrees with the casting, stating that Sweeney 'was totally wrong to play me' due to her inherently 'sexy' on-screen presence.

  • Novak and Davis Jr. first met in 1956 when they appeared as guests on The Steve Allen Show.
  • Their relationship became public in 1958 after a Chicago newspaper reported on their romance.
  • Novak later married actor Richard Johnson in 1965, and then veterinarian Robert Malloy in 1976, until his death in 2021.
  • The 'Scandalous' film project was first reported by Deadline in October 2024.

The players

Kim Novak

A legendary actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Vertigo' and 'Picnic', who is now speaking out against the casting of Sydney Sweeney to portray her in the upcoming drama 'Scandalous'.

Sydney Sweeney

A rising young actress who was cast to play Kim Novak in the film 'Scandalous', which Novak has criticized as being 'totally wrong' for the role.

Sammy Davis Jr.

The renowned entertainer who had a romantic relationship with Kim Novak in the 1950s, which the film 'Scandalous' will dramatize.

Colman Domingo

The director attached to helm the film 'Scandalous'.

David Jonsson

The actor set to portray Sammy Davis Jr. in the film 'Scandalous'.

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What they’re saying

“There's no way it wouldn't be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time. She was totally wrong to play me.”

— Kim Novak

“I think her story is still very relevant today in that she dealt with Hollywood and scrutiny with her relationships and her own private life and the control of her image. And I think that for me, I relate to it in a lot of different ways.”

— Sydney Sweeney

What’s next

The film 'Scandalous' is currently in development, with no set release date announced. It remains to be seen if the filmmakers will heed Novak's criticism and reconsider the casting of Sydney Sweeney.

The takeaway

Kim Novak's vocal opposition to the casting of Sydney Sweeney highlights the ongoing challenges of accurately portraying real-life figures on screen, especially when it comes to sensitive personal relationships and the control of one's public image - issues Novak herself grappled with during her storied Hollywood career.