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' about her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph showing a shattered glass surface reflecting bright light, with glittering sequins scattered across the frame, creating a high-contrast, glamorous aesthetic that evokes the allure and scrutiny of classic Hollywood celebrity relationships.The glitz and drama of a Hollywood romance are captured in this abstract close-up of the luxurious textures that defined the era.Chicago 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. in the 1950s. Novak criticized Sweeney's appearance, saying she 'sticks out so much above the waist' and that there's 'no way it wouldn't be a sexual relationship' due to Sweeney's 'sexy' look. Novak also expressed concern that the film would focus too heavily on the sexual aspects of her relationship with Davis rather than their personal connection.

Why it matters

Novak's comments highlight the ongoing debate around casting decisions in Hollywood biopics and the importance of accurately portraying an individual's life story. As a legendary actress herself, Novak's perspective carries significant weight, and her criticism of Sweeney's casting raises questions about whether the film will do justice to her personal history.

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 was cast to portray Novak, but the 84-year-old actress has now publicly stated that she 'would have never approved' of the film and that Sweeney is 'totally wrong' for the role. Novak expressed concern that the film will focus too much on the sexual nature of her relationship with Davis rather than their personal connection.

  • Novak and Davis Jr. first met in 1956 when they both 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 after their divorce, she went on to marry veterinarian Robert Malloy in 1976.

The players

Kim Novak

An 84-year-old legendary actress who is criticizing the casting of Sydney Sweeney to portray her in the upcoming film 'Scandalous' about her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1950s.

Sydney Sweeney

The actress who has been cast to play Kim Novak in the film 'Scandalous,' which Novak has publicly stated she 'would have never approved.'

Sammy Davis Jr.

The legendary entertainer who had a relationship with Kim Novak in the 1950s, which is the focus of the upcoming film 'Scandalous.'

Colman Domingo

The director attached to the film 'Scandalous.'

David Jonsson

The actor set to play 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

The takeaway

Novak's criticism of Sweeney's casting highlights the challenges of accurately portraying an individual's life story in a biopic, especially when the subject is a legendary figure like Novak who has strong opinions about how her story should be told. The film's producers will need to carefully navigate these concerns to create a balanced and respectful portrayal of Novak's relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.