Colman Domingo’s Directorial Debut Faces Criticism

Colman Domingo is gearing up for his directorial debut with Scandalous!, yet one notable figure isn’t exactly supportive.

Kim Novak, the Hollywood legend, has openly expressed her concerns regarding her past romance with Sammy Davis Jr., specifically about the film featuring Sidney Sweeney in her role.

The two-time Golden Globe Award winner didn’t hold back. She stated that she “never approved” of the direction the project is taking, adding that Sweeney doesn’t seem fit for the character. Novak particularly noted an issue with Sweeney’s appearance, stating, “She sticks out so much above the waist.”

Her worries extend beyond just the casting choice. Novak fears the film might emphasize the physical aspects of her relationship with Davis—played by David Johnson—over capturing its emotional richness.

“Sidney Sweeney always looks sexy, so there’s no way we wouldn’t have a sexual relationship,” she remarked. “It was completely wrong for her to play me.”

Novak offered candid reflections on her career as an actress, sharing some tough advice: “You can’t be vulnerable. Being a bipolar actor is a huge asset. No one feels more joy or pain than someone with bipolar disorder. You can’t stop your emotions.”

In contrast, Domingo presented a much different perspective. He described Scandalous! as a “story of cracked love,” aiming to create something heartfelt amid the public scrutiny surrounding the couple.

“I want to make a beautiful, sweet movie about the possibility of love, while trying to maintain some privacy and a normal life under public watch,” Domingo explained, noting that he and Sweeney both resonate with the struggle to “defend humanity.”

The real-life romance at the center of Scandalous! has garnered attention akin to any Hollywood drama. Novak, famous for her role in dizziness, met Davis in the mid-1950s when he was at his peak. Their relationship, however, quickly attracted both rumor and backlash, facing societal challenges and pressure from industry leaders like Harry Cohn.

Their romance came to light in 1958 when a gossip columnist uncovered their relationship and potential marriage plans. Just days later, Davis married Loray White, abruptly ending a tumultuous chapter.

Now, decades later, Scandalous! seeks to reinterpret that narrative. However, based on Novak’s reaction, it appears the film might incite controversy long before it debuts.