The Scandalous biopic controversy has erupted after Hollywood icon Kim Novak publicly rejected the casting of Sydney Sweeney. Speaking to The Times of London, the 93-year-old “Vertigo” star made it clear she would “never have approved” of the “Euphoria” actress portraying her.
Novak’s criticism centers on Sweeney’s physical appearance and the potential tone of the film. She stated that Sweeney “sticks out so much above the waist” and is therefore “totally wrong” for the role. The legendary actress fears the movie will exploit the physical aspects of her 1950s romance with Sammy Davis Jr. rather than honoring their emotional connection.
Novak and Davis Jr. met in 1956 on “The Steve Allen Show.” Their relationship faced intense racial prejudice during an era when interracial dating was taboo. Columbia Pictures executives reportedly threatened Davis with mob violence to force the couple apart. Nine days after their affair became public in 1958, Davis married someone else.
The “Scandalous” biopic, directed by Colman Domingo, stars David Jonsson as Davis Jr. Novak previously told The Guardian she worried the project would reduce their bond to “all sexual reasons.” She emphasized that she and Davis Jr. “had so much in common, including that need to be accepted for who we are and what we do, rather than how we look.”
Sweeney has not yet responded to Novak’s latest comments. However, she previously told People she felt “incredibly honored” to take on the role, relating to Novak’s struggles with Hollywood scrutiny and control over her image.
The film remains in development with Miramax, though Novak’s public disapproval has cast a shadow over the project.
