Kim Novak Criticizes Sydney Sweeney’s Casting as Her in Film About 1950s Romance

Kim Novak has voiced her dissatisfaction with the decision to have Sydney Sweeney play her in an upcoming biopic.

The legendary actress from Vertigo responded to news that the Euphoria star will star in Scandalous, a film depicting Novak’s 1950s romance with Sammy Davis Jr. She detailed her reasons for opposing the casting.

“I would never have given my consent,” Novak told The Times of London in an interview dated March 27, pointing out that Sydney, 28, “has a figure that’s very noticeable from the waist up.”

At 93 years old, Novak reflected on the similarities she shared with Davis Jr., who she dated briefly between 1957 and 1958 amid public attention on their interracial relationship. However, she worried the film might overly emphasize the physical aspect of their connection.

“It can’t help but be a sexual portrayal because Sydney Sweeney always exudes sex appeal,” Novak added. “She was the wrong choice to represent me.”

Sydney Sweeney’s involvement was announced in October 2024, alongside David Jonsson as Sammy Davis Jr., with Colman Domingo directing the project, marking his feature directorial debut.

Despite Novak’s disapproval, Sweeney has expressed feeling deeply honored to embody the iconic star.

“Her story resonates today, dealing with Hollywood’s gaze, her private life under scrutiny, and the management of her public image,” Sweeney told People in October. “I see many parallels in my own experience.”

Sweeney has also been candid about her evolving relationship with her body image, tracing back to her youth.

“I was well-endowed early on, wearing a 32DD in sixth grade, and I never felt comfortable,” she shared with Us Weekly on March 12. “I constantly wanted to hide myself.”

Her role as Cassie Howard in the HBO series helped her embrace confidence. “I realized that confidence is a form of power,” she explained. “Our bodies are remarkable, and we should celebrate them and feel proud in our own skin.”