Kim Novak Criticizes Casting of Sydney Sweeney as Her in Upcoming Film

Novak says Sweeney is 'totally wrong' to portray her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:48pm

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An extreme close-up of shimmering sequins and shards of broken glass, reflecting the high-stakes drama and glamour of old Hollywood.The casting of Sydney Sweeney as Kim Novak in an upcoming film has drawn criticism from the legendary actress, who says the young star is 'totally wrong' for the role.Chicago Today

Legendary actress Kim Novak has spoken out against the casting of Sydney Sweeney to play her in the upcoming drama 'Scandalous,' which will depict 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 challenges of accurately portraying real-life relationships and personalities on screen, especially when the subject of the film is still alive. The film's depiction of Novak's relationship with Davis could impact how the public views their history.

The details

In an interview with The Times of London, Novak said she would have 'never approved' of the film and that Sweeney 'was totally wrong to play me.' Sweeney had previously expressed her 'incredible honor' at taking on the role, saying she relates to Novak's experience with Hollywood scrutiny. The film, which is in development at Miramax, is set to star Sweeney as Novak and David Jonsson as Davis Jr., with Colman Domingo attached to direct.

  • 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 columnist reported on their romance.
  • Novak later married actor Richard Johnson in 1965 and veterinarian Robert Malloy in 1976, until his death in 2021.

The players

Kim Novak

A legendary actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Vertigo' and 'Picnic,' who is the subject of the upcoming drama 'Scandalous.'

Sydney Sweeney

An acclaimed actress who is set to portray Novak in the film 'Scandalous,' despite Novak's criticism of the casting.

Sammy Davis Jr.

An iconic entertainer who had a romantic relationship with Novak in the 1950s, which is the focus of the upcoming film.

Colman Domingo

The director attached to the film 'Scandalous.'

Miramax

The production company developing 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

The takeaway

Novak's criticism of the casting highlights the challenges of accurately portraying real-life relationships and personalities on screen, especially when the subject of the film is still alive and has strong opinions about how their story should be told.