Why Sydney Sweeney’s Next ‘Scandalous’ Biopic is Already Controversial

Left Image via Sony Pictures Releasing, Right Image via Columbia Pictures

Although it’s reasonable to expect filmmakers to consult with the real-life figures whom they are trying to portray onscreen for biopics, barring the cases where they’re no longer with us, this wasn’t exactly the case for Sydney Sweeney‘s Scandalous. Originally announced back in 2024, the movie will witness Sweeney in the shoes of legendary actor Kim Novak, a recipient of two Golden Globe awards, an honorary Golden Bear, and a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

Surprisingly, Novak revealed that she wasn’t consulted when it came to casting the right fit to play the Vertigo star, and the actor didn’t shy away from expressing her distaste with The Housemaid star’s casting. In an interview with The Times of London, the legendary star added that she would’ve “never approved” the movie with Sweeney at the forefront, quipping the Euphoria star “sticks out so much above the waist.”

Kim Novak Voices Concerns Regarding Sydney Sweeney’s Casting

The biopic in question comes from Sweeney’s Euphoria costar Colman Domingo, who is set to make his directorial debut with the period piece, based on one of the most scrutinized periods of Novak’s stardom, which involves her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.

Novak also expressed concerns that Sweeney’s physique could hinder the storytelling, fearing that the movie might end up focusing more on the steaminess between the two rather than the deeper connection they shared because they had “so much in common.”

Sweeney will star opposite David Jonsson in Scandalous, and even though it might not have Novak’s blessing, the Housemaid star previously shared that she was incredibely honor to take on the role of Vertigo star and display her story onscreen.

Is Scandalous a Traditional Biopic?

A still from Vertigo | Credit: Paramount

Instead of following her entire life or Novak’s journey to stardom, the movie will focus on one pivotal chapter of Novak’s life, her secret romance with musician Sammy Davis Jr, whose revelation led to severe backlash because of the racial climate at the time.

Domingo, who will be marking his directorial debut by depicting one of the most painful chapters in Novak’s life, is adamant about doing it justice in this movie, adding (via Deadline):

Although Sweeney is no stranger to realizing real-life figures on the silver screen, as she previously did with Christy, with Novak not on board with this casting choice, it remains to be seen whether Sweeney can subvert expectations in this movie.

Share your thoughts on Sweeney’s casting below!

No release date for Scandalous has been revealed.