In Hollywood news, Sydney Sweeney is drawn into controversy again, but this time the chatter revolves around a different kind of project. The actor is set to co-star opposite Industry’s David Jonsson in Scandalous!, a Colman Domingo-directed drama that revisits the real-life romance between Kim Novak (Vertigo) and Rat Pack icon Sammy Davis Jr.—a relationship that, in the 1950s, sparked its own brand of scandal.
Novak’s reservations about the casting come with a blunt assessment. When asked by The Times of London about Sweeney playing Novak, the 93-year-old legend didn’t hold back: she wouldn’t have approved the casting, remarking that Sweeney “sticks out so much above the waist.” While Novak noted her bond with Davis Jr., she warned that the film might lean too heavily into sex appeal because “Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time.”
Shifting timetables and production whispers point to a project whose momentum has dimmed since its 2024 announcement. Initial reports suggested a fast-tracked shoot after Euphoria’s third season, but there’s little sign of progress on Scandalous!, which remains listed as in pre-production on IMDB as HBO’s calendar fills up with other titles.
This doesn’t seem to be rushing toward completion. Sweeney has kept a cautious posture publicly. After a previous foray into portraying a real person—Christy Martin—the film’s reception was mixed, though she did note connections with real figures. In a 2025 interview with People, Sweeney expressed homage for Novak, saying, “I’m incredibly honored to bring Kim to life. She’s an extraordinary actress, and her story resonates with how Hollywood scrutinizes personal lives and image management.”
