Hollywood legend Kim Novak has sparked controversy by publicly rejecting Sydney Sweeney’s casting as her in the upcoming biopic “Scandalous!” The 92-year-old ‘Vertigo’ star, speaking candidly in a recent interview, insists the ‘Euphoria’ actress is mismatched for the role depicting her 1950s romance with Sammy Davis Jr.Novak’s blunt critique highlights tensions between living icons and Hollywood’s biopic boom, raising questions about authenticity in storytelling.
Kim Novak on rejecting Sydney Sweeney
Kim Novak did not mince words about Sydney Sweeney’s suitability. “She sticks out so much above the waist and looks s***Y all the time,” Novak remarked, during an interview with E! News online, adding that Sweeney is “totally wrong” for the part. The actress emphasized she “would never have approved” of the casting, fearing it would sensationalize her life story.Novak worries the film, directed by Colman Domingo with David Jonsson as Davis, will dwell too heavily on s** appeal rather than the real challenges they faced. Their relationship ignited a scandal amid rampant racism in 1957, drawing intense media scrutiny after a Chicago gossip column exposed it. “The film aims to explore the rampant racism that threatened Novak and Davis’ relationship,” but Novak doubts it will capture the nuances.
How Kim Novak and Davis Jr are acquainted
Novak and Davis connected as guests on ‘The Steve Allen Show’ in 1956, bonding over shared struggles for acceptance beyond their fame. Nine days after the affair went public in 1958, Davis married Loray White, a Black chorus girl, amid pressure from figures like mobster Frank Sinatra. Novak views their story as rooted in genuine connection, not just scandal.She also shared personal insights on acting vulnerability, drawing from her 2013 bipolar diagnosis. “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,” Novak advised.Director Colman Domingo envisions a heartfelt tale. “Hopefully we’ll make a beautiful, sweet film that’s really about the possibility of love, but under many eyes, trying to have privacy,” he said. Sweeney had earlier expressed excitement: “I’m incredibly honored to be bringing Kim to life.” Production is slated for summer 2025 post-“Euphoria” Season 3, backed by Miramax.
