Hollywood legend Kim Novak has voiced strong objections over Sydney Sweeney being cast to play her in the upcoming biopic Scandalous, which chronicles her 1950s romance with Sammy Davis Jr.. In a recent interview with The Times of London, the 93-year-old actress said Sweeney, 28, is “totally wrong” for the role and claimed she “would never have approved” of the casting.
Novak also appeared to take a jab at Sweeney’s appearance, noting that the actress “sticks out so much above the waist,” suggesting that the film risks focusing too heavily on the sexual aspects of their relationship rather than the shared connection that brought them together. “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,” Novak added.
The film, which has reportedly stalled before production could begin, is set to be directed by Colman Domingo in his feature debut, with David Jonsson portraying Davis Jr. Scandalous aims to depict both their romance and the intense racial prejudice they faced in 1950s Hollywood. Novak recounted how studio executives and others went to extreme lengths to force the couple apart, including threats of violence toward Davis, out of fear that an interracial relationship would damage the studio’s reputation.
Despite their deep affection for each other, Novak clarified that marriage was never part of the plan. “He loved me. I cared for him deeply. But at that time I never wanted to marry anybody,” she said.
Novak has previously criticized the project, including its title, telling The Guardian last year that she did not believe their relationship was “scandalous.” With production still in the early stages, it remains uncertain whether her objections will influence the film’s casting or creative direction.#newsafro_
