Colman Domingo, celebrated for his roles in “Euphoria” and “Fear the Walking Dead,” is stepping behind the camera for his directorial debut with Scandalous. The film will explore the tumultuous love affair between Rat Pack legend Sammy Davis Jr. and Hollywood starlet Kim Novak, weaving together romance and the harsh realities of 1950s America.
Scandalous, backed by Miramax, features a talented ensemble including David Jonsson and Sydney Sweeney, who also serves as a producer. Production is set to begin once the cast completes filming the third season of “Euphoria.”
A love story against all odds
The narrative centers on events from the late 1950s, when Davis Jr. and Novak met on “The Steve Allen Show.” Their romance flourished despite the era’s pervasive racism, capturing media attention and ultimately threatening both their careers. The relationship became public when a Chicago gossip columnist revealed their marriage plans, leading to significant backlash, particularly from Columbia Pictures head Harry Cohn.
Behind the scenes evolution
Matthew Fantaci crafted the screenplay, with a production team including Sweeney, Tami Cohen and Bobby Roth, alongside executive producer Jon Levin. The project has undergone several transformations, initially featuring Janet Mock as director and Jeremy Pope as Davis Jr., before finding its current form under Domingo’s leadership.
Cultural significance
Domingo‘s directorial debut carries weight not only as a historical romance but as a lens into systemic racism’s impact on Black artists in Hollywood. The film aims to illuminate the struggles faced by interracial couples during a pivotal era in American history, while drawing parallels to contemporary challenges in the entertainment industry.
A timely narrative
As audiences increasingly demand diverse storytelling that addresses race and identity, Scandalous promises to deliver a powerful commentary on love, prejudice and perseverance. The film stands to resonate particularly within the African American community, offering both historical perspective and contemporary relevance.
Industry anticipation
With Domingo’s artistic vision leading the way, Scandalous is positioned to be more than just another Hollywood romance. His transition from acclaimed actor to director brings fresh perspective to this complex narrative, promising a film that both entertains and enlightens.
As production approaches, anticipation builds for how Domingo will translate this compelling story to screen. The combination of historical significance, stellar talent and timely themes suggests Scandalous could become a defining film of its generation.
A promising debut
Domingo’s directorial debut with Scandalous marks an exciting evolution in his career while promising to deliver a powerful story of love and resilience. By exploring this pivotal moment in entertainment history, the film has the potential to spark important conversations about race, love and progress in America.
