Colman Domingo Makes Directorial Debut with ‘Scandalous!’
EXCLUSIVE: Colman Domingo, an Oscar-nominated actor, is set to make his directorial debut with the film Scandalous! The movie, which features Sydney Sweeney and David Jonsson in the lead roles as Kim Novak and Sammy Davis Jr., respectively, will be presented at the Cannes market for international sales by Patrick Wachsberger’s company, 193.
193 has taken on the responsibility of managing international sales for Miramax. Scandalous! delves into the secretive romantic relationship between the legendary actress Kim Novak and the iconic entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.
The film narrates the gripping true tale of a love affair that defied societal norms during the pinnacle of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Set in 1957, it follows Kim Novak (played by Sweeney), a top box office draw and the celebrated star of Vertigo, as she embarks on a romance with Sammy Davis Jr. (portrayed by Jonsson), a versatile member of the Rat Pack who transcended racial and celebrity barriers. Their relationship, hidden amidst the oppressive era of Jim Crow laws, ignites a media and social frenzy. With threats from the Mafia, panic among movie studio executives, and Frank Sinatra navigating a precarious balance of friendship and conflict, the tension intensifies. What starts as a passionate affair quickly escalates into a situation fraught with danger.
As previously disclosed last autumn, Emmy award-winning actress Sydney Sweeney played a pivotal role in developing this project, similar to her contributions to the unexpected hit Anyone But You. She is also serving as a producer on the film alongside Tani Cohen and Bobby Rock. The screenplay is penned by Matthew Fantaci.
The idea for the film was initially conceived by Jon Glickman while at Panoramic, before he took on the role of CEO at Miramax. He has continued to champion the project. Raul Domingo will join Glickman as an executive producer representing Miramax. Jon Levin will also serve as an executive producer. Looking ahead, Miramax is likely to collaborate more frequently with external parties for international sales at film markets while they concentrate on production and securing more extensive agreements.
Domingo, who has received acclaim for his performances in Rustin and Sing Sing, is also involved in a project about Nat King Cole, which he plans to direct and star in. His past directorial experience includes television, and he is currently working on Netflix and Tina Fey’s The Four Seasons. Additionally, he stars as Joe Jackson in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
Meanwhile, Sydney Sweeney is busy with the production of the third season of Euphoria, and she has films The Housemaid and a biopic about Christy Martin nearing completion. British actor David Jonsson, who won a BAFTA and is renowned for his role in the series Industry, has also appeared in films such as Rye Lane and Alien: Romulus.
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