Legendary Actress Kim Novak (93) Criticizes Sydney Sweeney Casting in Upcoming Biopic, Says She “Sticks Out So Much Above the Waist”
Kim Novak, the legendary Hollywood actress, has publicly criticized the casting of Sydney Sweeney in the upcoming film Scandalous, which explores her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. Speaking to The Times of London, Novak said she would have “never approved” the project and feels Sweeney is “totally wrong to play me.” She added pointedly that Sweeney “sticks out so much above the waist.”
Novak also expressed concern about how the film will depict her connection with Davis. She said their relationship was built on shared interests, not just romance, and worried the movie would overemphasize s**** aspects. “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 told The Times.
Sweeney, who stars opposite David Jonsson as Davis, has previously spoken about her excitement for the project. In an interview with People in October 2025, she said she felt “incredibly honored” to portray Novak. She added, “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. And I think that for me, I relate to it in a lot of different ways.”
Scandalous was first announced in October 2024, with Colman Domingo, Sweeney’s Euphoria co-star, set to direct. Miramax aimed to start production after the third season of Euphoria wrapped. Reps for Sweeney did not respond to a request for comment from Variety regarding Novak’s remarks.
Novak and Davis first crossed paths in 1956 on The Steve Allen Show. They met regularly in the following year, including visits to the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, and reconnected at a Thanksgiving charity ball in California.
Their relationship became public in 1958 after a Chicago columnist suggested they might marry, a claim Novak denied. Davis soon married Loray White, and his relationship with Novak lasted only a year. Novak later married Richard Johnson in 1965, and after a divorce, remarried until Johnson’s death in 1976.
Novak’s criticism highlights a larger debate about casting in biopics and respecting the perspective of the real-life figures involved. While Sweeney’s talent is undeniable, it’s understandable why Novak feels misrepresented. What do you think about Novak’s reaction? Do you agree with her, or are you excited to see Sweeney’s take on the role? Share your thoughts in the comments.
