A fresh controversy is building in Hollywood as Kim Novak openly criticizes the casting of Sydney Sweeney in the upcoming film Scandalous!. The legendary actress, who is now 93 years old, has shared strong opinions about who should portray her on screen.
Kim Novak Slams Sydney Sweeney in Biopic “Scandalous.”
In a recent interview, Novak made it clear she does not agree with the decision. She said she would “never have approved” Sweeney for the role and called the casting “totally wrong.” Her comments quickly grabbed attention online and sparked a wider discussion.
Novak’s main concern is not just about looks, but about how the story may be told. She pointed out physical differences and suggested that Sweeney’s image could change the tone of the film.
According to Novak, this could be a more glamorous and sexualized version of her life. She also fears that this could overshadow the deeper emotional story behind her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.
She emphasized that their relationship was about connection and shared interests. It was also shaped by serious racial challenges during the 1950s, something she fears may not be fully respected in the film.
Scandalous! is directed by Colman Domingo, marking his debut as a feature film director. The project focuses on Novak’s real-life romance with Davis Jr., which faced strong backlash due to racial tensions of the time.
Sweeney is not only starring in the film but is also involved as a producer. Reports suggest she played a key role in bringing Domingo into the project.
Actor David Jonsson has been cast to play Davis Jr. The film aims to explore love, fame, and social pressure in mid-century Hollywood.
Novak’s comments have gone viral on various social media sites. There are mixed views, with some agreeing with Novak’s right to defend her legacy and others believing that acting roles must provide room for creative freedom.
Some users have even described her remarks as “classic Hollywood shade,” while others believe she is simply defending the truth of her story.
Interestingly, many people have pointed out the irony. The original story dealt with racial prejudice, but now the debate is focused on appearance and image.
So far, neither Sweeney nor Domingo has responded publicly to Novak’s criticism. The production team has also stayed silent on the issue.
The film is still in the development stage, and shooting is set to commence after Sweeney is done working on Euphoria Season 3.