Hollywood has long been drawn to stories of forbidden love, but few are as charged—and historically significant—as the one at the heart of Scandalous. Sydney Sweeney stars as screen icon Kim Novak, and David Jonsson takes on the role of Sammy Davis Jr. in a film that dives into one of the most controversial romances of 1950s Tinseltown.
Directed by Colman Domingo in his highly anticipated feature debut, Scandalous isn’t just a period drama—it’s a bold statement about race, power, and love in a time when the cost of defiance could be your career—or your life.
Sydney Sweeney, David Jonsson, and Colman Domingo on the set of Scandalous
Plot Summary: A Love That Challenged 1950s America
Set in the glittering but racially segregated world of 1950s Hollywood, Scandalous follows the little-known but very real romance between Kim Novak, a white film star, and Sammy Davis Jr., a Black entertainer and member of the Rat Pack.
Their relationship began after an appearance on The Steve Allen Show in 1956. What followed was a secret affair filled with passion and peril. At a time when interracial relationships were taboo—and in many U.S. states, illegal—their connection sent shockwaves through both Hollywood and the country at large.
The drama escalated in 1958 when a gossip columnist exposed the relationship. The backlash was swift and vicious. Columbia Pictures’ notorious head Harry Cohn reportedly threatened Davis Jr.’s life, demanding he end things with Novak to protect her image and the studio’s interests.
“Their love wasn’t just scandalous—it was dangerous,” says Hollywood historian Lisa Bishop. “It defied the unwritten rules of a deeply segregated society.”
For a deeper understanding of race and Hollywood in the 1950s, see our guide on Black Entertainers Who Broke Barriers in Old Hollywood.
Kim Novak and Sammy Davis Jr.: Real-Life Figures
To truly appreciate Scandalous, it helps to know who Kim Novak and Sammy Davis Jr. were—both as public figures and private individuals.
Kim Novak was Columbia Pictures’ crown jewel, famously starring in Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Marketed as a blonde bombshell, she was seen as the rival to Marilyn Monroe. But Novak was also independent, complex, and quietly rebellious—a woman unwilling to conform to Hollywood’s image machine.
Sammy Davis Jr., meanwhile, was one of the most talented and versatile performers of his generation. A singer, dancer, actor, and comedian, he was the only Black member of the Rat Pack and often forced to perform in venues that wouldn’t even allow him to stay as a guest due to segregation laws.
Their relationship was a meeting of equals—and a collision of cultures that neither Hollywood nor America was ready to accept.
Sydney Sweeney channels the elegance and quiet strength of Kim Novak
Hollywood, Racism, and Public Backlash
In the Jim Crow era, the idea of a white woman dating a Black man wasn’t just scandalous—it was explosive.
While many Hollywood scandals were carefully hidden or rebranded by studio PR machines, the Novak-Davis affair became impossible to contain. The 1958 exposé ignited a media firestorm. The response was not just negative—it was violently racist.
Studio execs feared a public boycott. Kim Novak’s career was nearly derailed, while Sammy Davis Jr. faced death threats and FBI surveillance. Under pressure, Davis Jr. married another woman—Loray White—in what many believe was a sham orchestrated by the studio to divert attention from the interracial affair.
“They were both victims of a system that cared more about image than integrity,” says biographer Anthony Copeland.
If this reminds you of modern celebrity scrutiny, explore our article on How Media Shapes Hollywood Romances.
The Cast: A Powerful Lineup
Casting in a film like Scandalous is everything—and the choices here have raised excitement and expectations in equal measure.
Sydney Sweeney as Kim Novak
Sweeney, known for Euphoria and Reality, brings a new level of nuance to her career in this dual role as actress and producer. Her ability to convey inner turmoil while exuding classic glamour makes her a compelling match for Novak’s legacy.
She has long expressed a desire to bring complex, underexplored women in history to life, and Scandalous is the culmination of that mission. As one of the film’s producers, she helped shape both the narrative and its emotional tone.
David Jonsson as Sammy Davis Jr.
Fresh off critical acclaim in Rye Lane, Jonsson steps into some of the most iconic shoes in entertainment history. Davis Jr. was magnetic on stage and fiercely principled off it—qualities that Jonsson’s past performances have suggested he can embody with sensitivity and fire.
David Jonsson as Sammy Davis Jr. brings charm, talent, and defiance to the screen
Other cast members are expected to include a mix of established and rising stars playing studio executives, journalists, and cultural figures from the 1950s, reflecting the high-stakes political backdrop.
Want to know more about the rising stars of biographical cinema? Visit our roundup of Top Actors Redefining Historical Biopics.
Behind the Camera: Colman Domingo’s Directorial Debut
While the cast has generated headlines, Scandalous also marks the directorial debut of Colman Domingo, known for his electrifying performances in Euphoria, Rustin, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Domingo brings not just acting experience but a deep understanding of racial identity, performance, and emotional storytelling. His vision for Scandalous reportedly focuses on intimacy and atmosphere, resisting melodrama in favor of character-driven drama.
“This is a love story—yes. But it’s also a story of resistance,” Domingo shared in a recent Deadline interview.
With a script by Matthew Fantaci and production support from Miramax, the creative team behind Scandalous is one of the most diverse and dynamic in recent memory.
A film that combines period authenticity with modern resonance: Scandalous
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article, where we’ll explore the film’s deeper themes, cultural relevance, release timeline, and why it might be one of 2025’s most important movies.
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Why “Scandalous” Is More Relevant Than Ever
Although Scandalous is set in the 1950s, its themes ring louder today than ever before. The film doesn’t just revisit a taboo relationship—it confronts the systemic racism, censorship, and image control that still affect Hollywood and society at large.
By exploring how two public figures risked their careers and personal safety for love, the story invites reflection on the societal progress (or lack thereof) we’ve made in over 60 years. It aligns with ongoing discussions about race, media scrutiny, and who controls the narratives in pop culture.
If you’re interested in other films that tackle race and representation in the arts, check out our guide to The Best Movies About Social Justice in Entertainment.
Race, Identity, and Resistance in Pop Culture
Scandalous also brings necessary attention to how race intersects with celebrity and power. Sammy Davis Jr., for all his fame, was still denied basic rights. Kim Novak, despite her beauty and influence, was punished for loving outside her race.
Their story reflects how love becomes political under the public eye.
This movie enters the conversation alongside other modern works like Loving and If Beale Street Could Talk, but with a unique focus on interracial celebrity relationships under surveillance and threat. It raises uncomfortable but essential questions:
- Who gets to love whom—and who pays the price?
- What does defying societal expectations cost public figures?
- Can today’s Hollywood finally tell these stories with nuance and care?
“What’s scandalous isn’t that they loved each other—it’s that they couldn’t,” said director Colman Domingo in a recent panel discussion on race and filmmaking.
Looking for more examples of cultural resistance through art? Read our feature on How Biopics Can Reshape History.
Release Info and What to Expect
As of now, Scandalous is expected to begin production in late 2024, with a projected theatrical release in early to mid-2025. The film will likely have a limited premiere run at film festivals, followed by a global release through Miramax and streaming platforms.
Industry buzz suggests a strong push for awards season positioning, especially in categories such as:
- Best Actress (Sydney Sweeney)
- Best Director (Colman Domingo)
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Costume and Production Design
In the age of streaming and fast news cycles, a film like this—thoughtful, provocative, deeply personal—stands to break through if marketed correctly.
To stay updated on the film’s official release and promotional campaigns, subscribe to our Upcoming Biopic Release Tracker.
Awards Buzz and Critical Expectations
Given the talent involved and the powerful subject matter, Scandalous is already generating early Oscar buzz. Industry insiders see this as Sydney Sweeney’s awards breakout and a strong debut for Domingo as a director.
The film has the kind of historical gravity and emotional intensity that appeals to both critics and audiences—especially in a cultural moment hungry for truth-telling.
“It’s exactly the kind of film that turns controversy into catharsis,” notes film analyst Raj Patel. “And with Domingo at the helm, it will resonate with sincerity and heat.”
For more predictions on awards season frontrunners, explore our 2025 Oscar Watchlist.
Final Thoughts: A Biopic Worth Watching
Scandalous isn’t just another biopic. It’s a bold reclamation of a suppressed love story, one that asks us to confront the past—and ourselves. With stellar performances, sharp direction, and deep historical relevance, it has all the makings of a modern classic.
Whether you’re a fan of Sydney Sweeney, a student of Hollywood history, or someone who believes in the power of love to disrupt systems, this film demands your attention.
We recommend watching it not just for entertainment, but as a catalyst for conversation—about race, relationships, and how far we’ve come… or haven’t.
Want more biopics that changed the cultural landscape? Visit our article on The Most Impactful True Story Films of the Decade.
FAQs About Scandalous (2025)
❓ Is Scandalous based on a true story?
Yes, the film is based on the real-life romance between actress Kim Novak and entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. that occurred in the 1950s.
❓ Who is directing the movie?
The film marks the directorial debut of Colman Domingo, an acclaimed actor and writer making his transition behind the camera.
❓ When will the movie be released?
Production begins in late 2024, with a projected release in the first half of 2025.
❓ Where will the movie be available to watch?
After a likely film festival run, Scandalous is expected to release in theaters and later on streaming via Miramax’s digital partners.
❓ What makes this story important today?
The film sheds light on historical racial injustice and media control, topics that remain deeply relevant in contemporary culture.
Don’t miss this cinematic milestone—a love story once buried under scandal, now reborn through fearless storytelling.
Want to explore more untold love stories in history? Read our feature: Hollywood Romances That Changed the Game.
