Silver screen icon Kim Novak has publicly stated she would never have approved Sydney Sweeney playing her in an upcoming biographical film, arguing the younger actress is "totally wrong" for the role due to her perceived overt sexuality.
Controversy Over Casting Choice
The 93-year-old Vertigo star made the comments regarding Sweeney's planned portrayal in Colman Domingo's directorial debut, Scandalous!, which explores Novak's clandestine 1957 love affair with entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. Novak expressed concern that the film would overly focus on the sexual aspects of the relationship rather than the genuine connection she shared with Davis Jr.
Novak's Specific Objections
"There's no way it wouldn't be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time," Novak told The Times of London. "She was totally wrong to play me." The Hollywood legend further elaborated that Sweeney "sticks out so much above the waist," suggesting physical attributes made her unsuitable for the role.
Novak emphasised that her relationship with Davis Jr. was based on shared experiences and mutual understanding rather than purely physical attraction. "We had so much in common, including that need to be accepted for who we are and what we do, rather than how we look," she explained, referencing previous comments made to The Guardian where she took issue with the film's title.
Sweeney's Previous Enthusiasm
The criticism comes despite Sweeney's earlier expressed excitement about the project. Last year, the 28-year-old Euphoria star told People magazine she felt "incredibly honored" to portray Novak, describing the Hollywood icon as "an amazing actress" whose story remains relevant today.
"I think her story is still very relevant today in that she dealt with Hollywood and scrutiny with her relationships and her own private life and the control of her image," Sweeney said. "And I think that for me, I relate to it in a lot of different ways." She had planned to immerse herself in the role after completing Euphoria, enthusiastically anticipating meeting Novak.
Historical Context of the Affair
Novak's relationship with Davis Jr. occurred during America's Jim Crow era, when interracial relationships faced severe social and legal consequences. As one of Hollywood's biggest stars under contract with Columbia Pictures, Novak faced pressure from studio boss Harry Cohn, who reportedly threatened Davis Jr. with mob violence, claiming the relationship would be "bad for business."
The affair gained national attention in early 1958 when a Chicago gossip columnist published detailed claims about their relationship and alleged wedding plans, which both parties denied. Shortly after the scandal broke, Davis Jr. married Black woman Loray White, while Novak later married white actor Richard Johnson in 1965.
Film's Current Status and Vision
Progress on Scandalous! appears to have stalled, though director Colman Domingo has described the project as a "beautiful, sweet film that's really about the possibility of love, but under many eyes." The film, co-produced by Sweeney, aims to explore themes of privacy, love, and maintaining humanity under public scrutiny.
"We're trying to advocate for your humanity again in your life," Domingo added, noting that both he and Sweeney understand the challenges of living in the public eye. British actor David Jonsson was set to portray Sammy Davis Jr. in the production.
The Independent has contacted representatives for Sydney Sweeney seeking comment on Novak's recent criticisms, though no response has been publicly disclosed at this time.
