Kim Novak slams Sydney Sweeney casting in ‘Scandalous’ biopic: 'She was totally wrong to play me'

A dispute has emerged over casting decisions in the forthcoming film Scandalous, with actor Kim Novak stating she would have opposed the project and its lead performer.

Speaking to The Times of London, Novak said she would have “never approved” the drama, which explores her past relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.. The film stars Sydney Sweeney as Novak and David Jonsson as Davis.

Novak expressed dissatisfaction with the casting choice, saying Sweeney was unsuitable for the role. “She sticks out so much above the waist,” Novak said, adding that the actor was “totally wrong to play me.” She also raised concerns about how the relationship may be portrayed, stating that the film could place undue emphasis on its sexual dimension.

Reflecting on her relationship with Davis, Novak said it was rooted in shared understanding rather than physicality. She added: “There’s no way it wouldn’t be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time. She was totally wrong to play me.”

The project, first announced in October 2024, is directed by Colman Domingo and is being developed by Miramax, with production expected to follow the completion of the third season of Euphoria.

Sweeney previously addressed her involvement in the film in October 2025, describing it as a significant opportunity. “I’m incredibly honored,” she said, noting that Novak’s experiences with public scrutiny and media attention remain relevant today.

Novak and Davis first met in 1956 during an appearance on The Steve Allen Show and continued to see each other over the following year. Their relationship attracted media attention in 1958, though Novak denied reports they were planning to marry. Shortly afterwards, Davis married Loray White.