Sydney Sweeney to star as Kim Novak in new film ‘Scandalous’

Sydney Sweeney is set to take on one of her most high-profile roles yet, portraying screen legend Kim Novak in the upcoming biopic Scandalous.

The film, currently in development, will explore Novak’s secret interracial romance with entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. during the late 1950s, a relationship that unfolded under intense public scrutiny at the time.

Backed by Miramax, the project marks the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, who is also producing the film.

Speaking about the vision, Domingo described Scandalous as “a love story at its core,” centered on the challenges of maintaining privacy and authenticity in a highly visible relationship.

“Hopefully we’ll make a beautiful, sweet film that’s really about the possibility of love… trying to have privacy, trying to have love, trying to have a life,” he said.

Actor David Jonsson is set to portray Davis Jr., adding to the film’s growing ensemble.

While anticipation for the project continues to build, the casting of Sweeney has sparked criticism from Novak herself.

In a recent interview, the 93-year-old Hollywood icon voiced strong objections, calling the decision “totally wrong” and stating she would not have approved the casting if she were involved in the production.

Novak also expressed concern about how the story might be portrayed, suggesting the film could lean too heavily into the more sensational aspects of the relationship rather than focusing on its emotional depth and shared experiences.

Despite the backlash, production on Scandalous is ongoing, with further details including a release date, yet to be announced.