Kim Novak Criticizes Sydney Sweeney’s Controversial Role

Digital Phablet – Kim Novak criticizes Sydney Sweeney’s casting in the controversial film.

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Kim Novak recently shared with The Times of London that she would have “never approved” the upcoming drama “Scandalous,” which depicts her romantic relationship with Sammy Davis Jr., starring Sydney Sweeney and David Jonsson.

Sweeney is cast to portray Novak, opposite Jonsson as Davis. Novak expressed her dissatisfaction with Sweeney in this role, telling The Times that the actress from “Anyone But You” “stands out so much above the waist.”

Novak is also worried that the film will emphasize their sexual chemistry, despite her insistence that their relationship was based on their mutual interests. “It would definitely be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks attractive all the time. She was completely wrong to play me.”

Representatives for Sydney Sweeney did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Variety.

“Scandalous” was announced in October 2024, with Sweeney’s co-star from “Euphoria,” Colman Domingo, set to lead. Miramax was reportedly accelerating development, with plans to begin filming after the third season of “Euphoria” wrapped up.

While Novak expressed her concerns about “Scandalous,” Sweeney told People in October 2025 that she feels “incredibly honored” to headline the project.

“Her story remains very relevant today, especially in how she faced Hollywood scrutiny, relationships, and managing her private life and image,” Sweeney stated. “I relate to it in many ways.”

Novak and Davis first met in 1956 when they appeared together on “The Steve Allen Show.” Their meetings continued regularly, with Davis visiting the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo.” They reconnected at a Thanksgiving charity event in California and spent the holidays together.

Their relationship became public in 1958 after a Chicago columnist wrote about their bond, hinting at a pending marriage. Novak denied this, and Davis married Loray White days later. Their romance lasted just a year. Novak later married Richard Johnson in 1965. Although they eventually separated, Davis remarried and remained married until his death in 1976.