Jared Leto to Play Hugh Hefner in Upcoming Biopic

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Jared Leto will step into the shoes of recently deceased Playboy founder Hugh Hefner in an upcoming biopic about the cigar-jacket clad businessman.

If my house #HilhavenLodge was burning down I would take one thing with me and that is my gift from #HughHefner The first issue of @playboy magazine published in #December #1953 but wasn’t even dated because #Hef wasn’t sure there would be a second issue. It is inscribed “To Brett-Who Shares The Dream… Hugh Hefner” I am humbled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with one of the greatest media and cultural pioneers in history who was responsible for the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom. He built Playboy into one of the most recognizable brands in history. So proud that he has entrusted me and my company @ratpacent with the rights to his life story! High hopes that @shadowjeff will be available one day soon to write it!!!

A post shared by Brett Ratner (@brettrat) on Sep 28, 2017 at 12:29am PDT

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film is in the early development stages and will be directed by Brett Ratner, in conjunction with his RatPac Entertainment.

#iHeartFestival pic.twitter.com/MDV2jGQwYp

— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) September 23, 2017

“Jared is an old friend,” Brett revealed. “When I heard I got the rights to Hef’s story, he told me, ‘I want to play him. I want to understand him.’ And I really believe Jared can do it. He’s one of the great actors of today.”
Ratner also told Hollywood Reporter he plans to re-boot the Hefner-hosted, late 1960’s talk show Playboy After Dark.