Kim Novak Voices Strong Opposition to Sydney Sweeney's Casting in Upcoming Biopic
In a recent interview with The Times, iconic actress Kim Novak, best known for her role in "Vertigo," has publicly criticized the decision to cast Sydney Sweeney to portray her in the forthcoming film "Scandalous." The movie, which explores Novak's relationship with entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., is set to be directed by Colman Domingo, Sweeney's co-star from "Euphoria," with David Jonsson slated to play Davis.
Novak's Concerns Over Sexual Implications
Novak expressed that she "would never have approved" of Sweeney's casting, citing the actor's overt sexuality as a key issue. She argued that Sweeney "sticks out so much above the waist" and looks "sexy all the time," which she believes would create misleading implications about her bond with Davis. According to Novak, their attraction was based on having "so much in common," and she emphasized that there's "no way it wouldn't be a sexual relationship" with Sweeney in the role, making her "totally wrong to play me."
Historical Context of the Novak-Davis Relationship
The romance between Novak and Davis began in 1957 when Davis noticed her during a performance at a Chicago nightclub. Through mutual friends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, they connected, and their relationship quickly sparked controversy. At the time, interracial marriage was illegal in many states, and public opposition was widespread. Columbia Pictures studio head Harry Cohn, disapproving of Novak's involvement with a Black man, reportedly used mob connections to pressure Davis into ending the relationship, with threats of violence if he did not marry a Black woman.
Davis subsequently married actor Loray White in 1958, divorcing a year later, and later wed Swedish actor May Britt in 1960, facing significant backlash and death threats. Novak has consistently downplayed the passion in her relationship with Davis, describing it as a deep friendship rather than a romantic entanglement. She denied rumors of marriage plans, stating, "No, no. I mean, he loved me. I cared for him deeply. But at that time I never wanted to marry anybody."
Production Status and Sweeney's Response
Despite Sydney Sweeney telling People in October 2025 that she's "incredibly honored to be bringing Kim to life," production for "Scandalous" appears to be currently stalled. This adds a layer of uncertainty to the project, especially in light of Novak's vocal disapproval. The film aims to shed light on a significant chapter in Hollywood history, but Novak's comments highlight potential creative and ethical challenges in portraying sensitive historical figures.
Novak has reflected on the broader impact of her relationship with Davis, noting in 2023 that their defiance of racial norms helped promote acceptance of interracial relationships. She said, "I felt that by seeing Sammy and Sammy seeing me, that we could help people understand and accept interracial relationships of any kind." This perspective underscores the complex social dynamics of the era, which the film seeks to explore.
