Kim Novak Shares Concerns About Her Upcoming Biopic

Legendary actress Kim Novak, 92, has voiced her reservations regarding the portrayal of her life in an upcoming biographical film. The movie, titled Scandalous!, stars Sydney Sweeney as Novak and is yet to begin filming.

Novak clarified her feelings about her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr., highlighting that it was not scandalous. She said, “I really cared about him. We shared a desire to be accepted for who we are, beyond appearances,” emphasizing the depth of their connection.

She expressed concern that the film might overly emphasize sexuality, remarking, “I worry it will be portrayed as purely sexual.” Sweeney will play Novak, and David Jonsson will portray Davis Jr. The project is directed by Colman Domingo, Sweeney’s co-star from Euphoria.

Novak’s romantic involvement with Davis Jr. in 1957 ended under the pressure of industry and societal biases. Reports suggest that Columbia Pictures’ boss Henry Cohn, who had Novak under contract, feared the interracial relationship could damage her career and allegedly threatened Davis with violence.

Throughout her career, Novak made a handful of iconic appearances, including her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. She also starred opposite Frank Sinatra in the 1957 musical Pal Joey.

Sweeney, who has already shown her admiration for Novak, wore a dress inspired by the actress at the 2025 Met Gala—a beaded black gown that she lauded as a homage to Novak’s style in The Legend of Lylah Clare. Despite her rising fame, Sweeney has faced criticism for controversial business ventures, including selling bathwater and a campaign that some accused of promoting offensive stereotypes.

In her first interview since recent scandals, Sweeney responded to critics, noting a perceived double standard and defending her choices, including her decision to sell bathwater-infused soap.