Kim Novak Criticizes Sydney Sweeney Casting in ‘Scandalous!’: “She Was Totally Wrong to Play Me”

Hollywood Reporter3/28/2026 – 3/29/2026

Summary

Kim Novak has publicly criticized the casting of Sydney Sweeney to portray her in the upcoming film "Scandalous!" Novak stated that she was “totally wrong” to play her and emphasized that she “would never have approved” of Sweeney's casting. The film, which marks the directorial debut of Colman Domingo, explores Novak's relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. in 1957. Novak, a two-time Golden Globe-winning actress recognized for her contributions during Hollywood's Golden Age, has expressed strong disapproval of the casting choice. The casting decision has raised concerns for Novak, who is known for her iconic roles in the film industry. Her criticism indicates a disconnect between her vision of how she should be portrayed and the direction the filmmakers have chosen. The film "Scandalous!" aims to delve into a pivotal moment in Novak's life, and her strong feelings about the casting suggest that she does not believe Sweeney is the right fit for the role. Colman Domingo, who is also known for his role in "Euphoria," is set to direct the film, reuniting him with Sweeney. Novak's objections to the casting choice highlight the complexities involved in biographical portrayals, particularly when the subject of the film has reservations about the decisions made by the filmmakers. This controversy surrounding the casting may influence the film's reception and the creative decisions taken during its production.

Share:XRedditLinkedIn

Advertisement

Cluster Activity

1
1
2026-03-282026-03-29

Lindy Score Breakdown (V4.2)

11h
Age
2
Sources
from cluster
7
Hours Since Seen
Final Score25/100
CategoryBreaking
StatusActive
Recency Multiplier90% (0.5^7/48)
Hero EligibleYes

Story Timeline

  1. 2026-03-28
  2. 2026-03-29
    Kim Novak Criticizes Sydney Sweeney Casting in ‘Scandalous!’: “She Was Totally Wrong to Play Me” (current)

Score BreakdownRisk 55

Source Reputation: Low-trust source (6/20 pts)
Consensus: Emerging consensus: 2 sources
Age: Breaking news - too recent to assess longevity

Stories gain Lindy status through source reputation, network consensus, and time survival.

Same Story from 2 sources

Breaking Similar stories

Anti-Lindy Similar stories