Just a week after it was announced that Playboy founder Hugh Hefner passed away, Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto has been cast to portray Hefner in a new biopic, to be directed by Brett Ratner.
Ratner told The Hollywood Reporter, “When he 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.”
Leto has won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club. He is known for his dedication to his roles, including his chilling turn as The Joker in Suicide Squad. His upcoming films are Blade Runner 2049 and a biopic on artist Andy Warhol he is producing and starring in.
Ratner added that he has wanted to direct a biopic on Hefner for the past 10 years, and even wanted to introduce Leto to him at an event earlier this year. However, the Playboy magnate was already in poor health at the time.
The upcoming biopic is still in its early stages, but Hefner’s colorful life and career make it a promising and exciting watch.
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