Kim Novak Criticizes Casting of Sydney Sweeney in 'Scandalous!' Biopic

The Hollywood legend says the 'Euphoria' star is 'totally wrong' to portray her in the film about her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Legendary actress Kim Novak has voiced concerns about the upcoming biopic 'Scandalous!', which will depict her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. in 1957. Novak says she 'would never have approved' the casting of Sydney Sweeney to play her, arguing the 'Euphoria' star 'sticks out so much above the waist' and 'looks sexy all the time,' making her 'totally wrong' for the role.

Why it matters

Novak's criticism highlights the challenges of accurately portraying real-life figures, especially iconic Hollywood stars, on screen. The film aims to explore the rampant racism that threatened Novak and Davis' relationship at the height of their fame, but Novak fears the focus will be too much on sex appeal rather than the nuances of their story.

The details

Colman Domingo is directing 'Scandalous!' with David Jonsson set to play Sammy Davis Jr. Novak, who revealed her bipolar diagnosis in 2013, offered advice to Sweeney, saying 'You can't learn to be vulnerable' and that 'No one feels joy or pain as much as someone who's bipolar.' The film is planned to shoot in summer 2025 after Sweeney completes production on Season 3 of 'Euphoria'.

  • Novak and Davis met while guests on The Steve Allen Show in 1956.
  • Their covert affair became big news when a Chicago gossip columnist wrote a detailed account in early 1958.
  • Nine days later, Davis married a Black chorus girl named Loray White.

The players

Kim Novak

A legendary Hollywood actress of the Golden Age, known for films like 'Vertigo,' who had a high-profile relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1950s.

Sydney Sweeney

An actress known for her roles in shows like 'Euphoria,' who has been cast to play Novak in the upcoming biopic 'Scandalous!'

Sammy Davis Jr.

A member of the Rat Pack and renowned entertainer who had a relationship with Kim Novak in the 1950s.

Colman Domingo

The director of the 'Scandalous!' biopic, who is preparing to film the project in summer 2025.

David Jonsson

The actor cast to play Sammy Davis Jr. in the 'Scandalous!' biopic.

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What they’re saying

“You can't learn to be vulnerable. It's a big asset to be a bipolar actor. No one feels joy or pain as much as someone who's bipolar. The feelings are unstoppable.”

— Kim Novak, Actress

“And then hopefully we'll make a beautiful, sweet film that's really about the possibility of love, but under many eyes, trying to have privacy, trying to have love, trying to have a life. And I think it's something that Sydney and I both know very well. We're trying to advocate for your humanity again in your life.”

— Colman Domingo, Director

What’s next

Filming for 'Scandalous!' is planned to begin in summer 2025 after Sydney Sweeney completes production on Season 3 of 'Euphoria'.

The takeaway

Novak's criticism of the casting choice highlights the challenges of accurately portraying real-life figures, especially iconic Hollywood stars, on screen. The film aims to explore the racism that threatened Novak and Davis' relationship, but Novak fears the focus will be too much on sex appeal rather than the nuances of their story.