Will Robert Downey Jr. Take on Hugh Hefner?

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Casting, Celeb News, Rumors, Scripts

At this time last year, we told you a biopic of Hugh Hefner was in the works. The movie, which had no writer yet attached to it, would detail the life of the Playboy founder starting with his upbringing in Illinois.

Now the Chicago Sun Times is reporting that an actor may have been chosen for the project: Iron Man. The 82-year-old entrepreneur reportedly signed off on the casting choice after seeing Robert Downey Jr.‘s recent work in the action film. But whether Downey will be able to don the the iconic robes is another question. Assuming he’s even interested, his schedule might not allow him to take on the role. His recent success may have him tied down with sequel work for some time to come.

Although Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) was originally scheduled to helm the project, the film is currently without a director. If a script is completed soon, production could begin as early as next summer.

Read More | Chicago Sun Times

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Hugh Hefner Approves Biography in ‘Playboy’

Posted by Johnny Mercedes Categories: Adaptation, Celeb News, Scripts, Upcoming Releases

The ever-suave social activist and founder of Playboy magazine, who sold the rights to his life story several years ago, has recently given the green-light to a film version.  Directed by Brett Ratner (X-Men: The Last Stand, Rush Hour), the movie will focus on all major aspects of Hef’s life: his humble upbringing; his advocacy for free speech; a near-death experience in the 1980s; and, of course, his rampant sexual exploits.

Brain Grazer (A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code) is set to produce the film, and a script is already in the works, though the writer has yet to be announced.

I can only ask myself, “What took so long?”  The man has been a social icon for decades, has sex (presumably all day) with beautiful women, and speaks out against censorship — this has “movie” written all over it.  Hopefully, the filmmakers weren’t just waiting for him to die, because there’s something they should know: Hugh Hefner is a bona fide superhero, and he’s not going anywhere.

The obvious second question that remains in my mind is, “Who will play Hugh?”  My vote is for Greg Kinnear.  Or how about Vincent Gallo?  That’d be interesting.

Read More | Reuters

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