Kim Novak (93) Slams Casting Choice: Says Sydney Sweeney Is ‘Totally Wrong’ to Play Her in the Upcoming Film

Kim Novak has openly criticized the casting of Sydney Sweeney in the upcoming film Scandalous, which tells the story of her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr., according to The Times of London. Novak said she would have “never approved” the project and questioned Sweeney’s suitability for the role.

Novak expressed her concerns, telling the publication that Sweeney “sticks out so much above the waist.” She added that the film might overemphasize the s**** aspect of her romance with Davis, rather than focusing on the deeper connection they shared. “There’s no way it wouldn’t be a s**** relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks s*** all the time. She was totally wrong to play me,” Novak said.

The film also stars David Jonsson as Sammy Davis Jr. and is directed by Colman Domingo, Sweeney’s co-star from Euphoria. It was first announced in October 2024, with Miramax moving quickly to get the project ready after the third season of Euphoria wrapped production. Representatives for Sweeney did not respond to Variety’s request for comment.

Sweeney, however, has defended her involvement in the film. In an interview with People in October 2025, she said she feels “incredibly honored” to play Novak. “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.”

Novak and Davis first met in 1956 on The Steve Allen Show and continued to see each other regularly, including visits by Davis to the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. They spent the holidays together after meeting again at a charity ball in California. Their relationship became public in 1958 when a Chicago columnist suggested they might marry, though Novak denied it. Davis soon married Loray White, and their relationship ended after about a year. Novak later married Richard Johnson in 1965; they divorced and remarried before Johnson’s death in 1976.

Novak’s reaction highlights how deeply personal biopics can affect the people they portray. Casting choices can be controversial, especially when the story is about a real, iconic figure. What do you think about Sydney Sweeney playing Kim Novak? Do you agree with Novak’s criticism or think the casting could work? Share your thoughts in the comments.