Sydney Sweeney has been cast to portray Kim Novak in the upcoming biopic Scandalous, with David Jonsson set to play Sammy Davis Jr. The film is being produced by Miramax, marking the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, who is also producing. Domingo described the project as fundamentally a love story, centered on Novak’s secret interracial relationship with the celebrated singer and dancer in 1957.
Speaking about the film’s theme, Domingo expressed hope that it would be a tender and beautiful portrayal of love striving for privacy amid public scrutiny. He remarked on the universal challenge of seeking love and a private life under watchful eyes, a sentiment he shares with Sweeney. Despite these insights, many details about the film remain confidential, including its release date, as production is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the casting of Sweeney has drawn sharp criticism from Kim Novak herself. In an interview with The Times of London, the 93-year-old retired actress and painter condemned the decision, calling it entirely inappropriate. Novak stated that if she had any say in the production, she would have rejected Sweeney for the role. She further criticized Sweeney’s physical appearance, particularly her prominent cleavage, contrasting it with her own.
Novak’s main concern lies in how the film will depict their relationship. She fears the story will emphasize the sexual aspects rather than the commonalities and emotional foundation that defined their romance. Novak insisted that the film risks reducing their complex relationship to mere sexuality, especially given Sweeney’s often provocative image. She concluded by firmly stating that casting Sweeney to portray her was a mistake.
