Kim Novak has voiced her disapproval of Sydney Sweeney’s casting in the biopic ‘Scandalous’, which is set to portray her 1957 romance with Sammy Davis Jr. The 93-year-old actress expressed concern that the film would focus excessively on the sexual aspects of her relationship with Davis, stating, “I would never have approved” of Sweeney’s involvement.
Novak, who remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, specifically criticized Sweeney’s physical appearance, saying, “She sticks out so much above the waist.” This comment highlights Novak’s apprehension about how the film might depict her past relationship.
The film ‘Scandalous’ is directed by Colman Domingo, with David Jonsson cast to play the role of Sammy Davis Jr. The project was first reported to be in development in October 2024, and it has since garnered attention due to its controversial subject matter.
During the 2025 Met Gala, Sweeney honored Novak by channeling her iconic style, which may have contributed to the heightened scrutiny surrounding the casting choice. However, Novak’s recent statements suggest that she feels the film may not accurately represent the complexities of her relationship with Davis.
Novak’s relationship with Davis was marked by significant external pressures, including racism and threats from Hollywood executives, which ultimately led to its end. Reflecting on this, Novak remarked, “I don’t think the relationship was scandalous,” indicating her belief that the narrative surrounding their romance has been mischaracterized.
As the film progresses toward production, observers are keen to see how these criticisms will impact its portrayal of Novak and Davis’s relationship. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any changes that may be made in response to Novak’s comments.
