Hugh Hefner Biopic to Be Directed by Brett Ratner

LOS ANGELES — Hef's life is coming to the big screen.

Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment have tapped "Rush Hour" and "X-Men 3" director Brett Ratner to direct a biopic based on the life of the iconic founder of Playboy Magazine, Hugh Hefner.

The movie will be titled, simply, "Playboy."

The project fell into limbo recently when Oliver Stone abandoned it to focus on his next movie, an examination of the United States' post-9/11 invasion of Afghanistan.

Ratner and screenwriter John Hoffman came up with a script that won the approval of producer Brian Grazer and Hefner himself, who gave the project his blessing at a Playboy Mansion meeting.

Ratner told Daily Variety that he wants to capture all of the magazine mogul's legend.

"Hef came from a puritanical upbringing and reinvented himself to be the godfather of the sexual revolution," Ratner said. "He also used his magazine to advocate civil rights and free speech, and put James Brown on his show 'Playboy After Dark' when they didn't put black performers on national television.

"He broke all kinds of taboos, especially in sexuality. I want to show it all, from the 1st Amendment struggles to his first orgy to the stroke in the 1980s that almost killed him."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Pastelle Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Pastelle has made her TransAngels debut alongside Ali Rush in "Royal Sucksession."

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The highly respected veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Brazzers Beach."

Eva Angelina on Stepping Back Into the Spotlight With Purpose

Eva Angelina is back in front of the camera, stronger and sharper than ever, and the veteran performer recently marked her return to the industry in her own inimitable badass style: not just with a bang, but a dazzling signal flare.

Cassie Del Isla, Ama Rio Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Cassie Del Isla and Ama Rio headline the 15th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

Cailey Katt Fronts Latest From GroobyVR

Cailey Katt stars alongside Luke London in the latest release from GroobyVR, titled "A Katt in Your Lap."

Madi Collins Signs Exclusive Contract With Vixen Media Group

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has signed Madi Collins to an exclusive contract.

Zariah Aura Leads Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Summer Col and Robby Apples in the latest release from Transfixed, titled “Catching His Cheating Girlfriend.”

Show More