In a recent interview, revered actress Kim Novak expressed strong reservations about the casting of Sydney Sweeney as her in the forthcoming biopic “Scandalous!” The film will explore Novak’s romance with the late entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., but Novak’s comments suggest a deeper concern with how her story will be portrayed.
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Novak, the iconic star of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” who is now 93 years old, referred to the casting decision as “totally wrong” during her conversation with The Times. She stated unequivocally, “I would never have approved” of Sweeney stepping into her role. Her disapproval primarily stems from her belief that Sweeney, who is 28, does not adequately represent the essence of her character.
The actress was particularly critical of Sweeney’s appearance, commenting that she “sticks out so much above the waist.” However, her concerns extend beyond mere aesthetics; Novak has previously cautioned that the film risks overemphasising the sexual dimensions of her relationship with Davis, asserting that their bond was predominantly built on shared values rather than physical attraction.
“There’s no way it wouldn’t be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time,” Novak remarked, but went on to clarify that their connection involved much more than that. Reflecting on her past, she explained, “He’s somebody I really cared about. We had so much in common, including that need to be accepted for who we are and what we do, rather than how we look.”
Sweeney, known for her roles in HBO’s “Euphoria,” has shown enthusiasm for taking on the role of Novak. She described it as an “incredible honour” and has expressed admiration for Novak’s talent and the relevance of her story. During the premiere of her latest film last autumn, Sweeney noted how Novak’s experience dealing with the Hollywood spotlight resonated with her own.
Sweeney’s anticipation for the role has been palpable, as she mentioned, “Once I finish Euphoria, I switch into Scandalous! gear and I’m going to turn my brain into Kim.” She added that she is particularly excited about the prospect of meeting Novak personally, highlighting her desire to embody the character authentically.
Despite Sweeney’s enthusiasm, Novak’s apprehension isn’t new. In a previous interview with The Guardian in August 2025, she had voiced similar concerns, stressing, “I don’t think the relationship was scandalous.” She fears that the filmmakers may misrepresent her connection with Davis, which was complicated by the societal pressures they faced, including significant disapproval from individuals within the film industry.
Novak recounted how their relationship ended under external pressures, particularly from the head of Columbia Pictures, Harry Cohn, who allegedly threatened Davis with severe consequences when news of their romance came to light. “Oh, I know it was true,” she confirmed when discussing this troubling chapter of her life.
The topic of marriage also came up during the conversation, with Novak clarifying that she and Davis never sought a marriage license. She reflected, “No, no. I mean, he loved me. I cared for him deeply. But at that time I never wanted to marry anybody.” This candidness underscores her desire for a truthful portrayal of her life and the complexities of her past relationships.
As interest grows in the personal history of Hollywood icons, the balance between entertainment and accurate representation remains a pressing concern. Novak’s emphatic reservations about the film’s direction serve as a reminder of the influence that storytelling can wield over public perception of historical figures.
The discourse surrounding “Scandalous!” highlights not just the challenge of casting and character portrayal but also the broader implications of how relationships—especially those of public figures—can be sensationalised for dramatic effect. The film’s producers will surely need to navigate these sensitive topics as they aim to honour the legacies of both Novak and Davis while bringing their story to a contemporary audience.