Why is Kim Novak criticizing Sydney Sweeney casting?

Kim Novak is publicly pushing back on Sydney Sweeney playing her in an upcoming biopic. The actress says Sweeney is “totally wrong” for the role and argues that Sweeney’s body—specifically her proportions—is not a match, saying it “sticks out” in a way she feels highlights the difference rather than resembling Novak.

The pushback matters because casting choices can shape how audiences expect a story to look and feel, and Novak’s comments elevate the dispute into the conversation about whether the film will capture her likeness accurately. Novak’s objection is focused less on the project’s premise and more on physical presentation and fit for the part.

In this coverage, Novak’s criticism is directed at Sweeney’s suitability for portraying her on screen rather than at the filmmakers’ casting process in general. That focus is what’s making headlines: it turns a casting announcement into a personal, on-the-record disagreement from the original star.

No further details were provided about whether the filmmakers responded, or whether any casting or portrayal changes are planned. It’s also not clear how Novak expects the role to be handled differently. But her remarks are already fueling attention around the biopic and Sweeney’s performance expectations before filming details are widely known.