“Grotto!?!”
Over the last six months, I’ve had four unrelated sources tell me off the record that Robert Downey Jr. was a total lock to star in a Hugh Hefner biopic entitled Playboy. Of course, this was before Iron Man’s grosses went interstellar. Chicago’s Sun Times now reports that the actor is close to signing on, even though the original director, Brett Ratner, is purportedly no longer attached, but may circle back (I bet.) for producer Brian Grazer.
Would Marvel Studios be cool with Downey Jr. playing a porn magnate? The company recently tossed out the R-rating, so it might be iffy territory. In my view, Tony Stark is not exactly Clark Kent, and this role would only increase Downey’s mainstream visibility. Moreover, Hefner’s story is not mired in smut like a Larry Flynt or a Bob Guccinone–it’s by far the more mainstream rags-to-riches tale. But some people in the know have serious doubts. Is the box office there for this movie? Does Downey need to risk it? Will the film hold relevance in the quickening era of YouPorn and Xtube? They have a point (Playboy is venturing into the gay biz for a reason).
The Sun Times reports that Downey’s people have emphasized that nothing is final until a script and/or director is finalized. As you might expect, there are certain unprecedented benefits to playing this role. We’ll see what happens. Tropic Thunder, which looks to be a huge hit, will only strengthen Downey’s demands and demand.
Discuss: Should Downey take the role or pass? Are you interested in seeing the story of Hugh Hefner? Â
May 25th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I think Stan Lee would be a better choice. :-)
May 25th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Brett Ratner? Playboy? Eh.
May 25th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Playboy is not porn.
May 25th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Hugh Hefner? LMAO. What a dumb fake-ass piece of shit. Who the f–k wants to watch a movie about the dumb nasty man-whore? Ew, no thanks.
Larry Flynt is way more interesting, and doesn’t seem to put on some fake front like Hefner. I can’t wait for the day Hugh Hefner drops dead.
May 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Listen, Hef is clearly the man.
I don’t see you with dozens of leggy blondes in your grotto! Give the man some credit.
May 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Hefner’s great and so is RDJ however I don’t know how interesting this would be. I think the Hefner and Playboy saga is more of a True Hollywood Story than a feature film…
May 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I saw the e true hollywood story on hef and playboy and can say that this man has a lot to tell. My only thing is how would they make it. Would it be just a recap of his life or they going to try to add some “dramatization” to it or what? Either way, I see it as a good movie and this is the perfect time to make it, seeing that Playboy is sort of revitalized.
(Sorry for any grammar mistakes, im commenting on my phone)
May 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Not unless he wants to be typecast. He’s already in the years biggest action film, the biggest comedy, and a best picture contender come oscar season with the Soloist which he’ll no doubt pick up a supporting nom. He’s gonna be in extremly high demand and this project is beneath him.
May 26th, 2008 at 1:35 am
Agreed. He really does not need this. DON’T DO IT RDJ!!!
May 26th, 2008 at 10:59 am
RDJ is the man right about now. and it would only boost his image. playboy isnt porn and its one of the most recognizable rags to riches story out there. plus if you ask every single guy in america i seriously doubt that they would not wanna live in the shoes of the great hugh heffner for a day!
May 26th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Anything with RDJ, I’ll see it. Doesn’t matter whether he takes this role or not, as long as he keeps up his usual awesome job.
May 26th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Uhm… people will want to see this. It’s a glamorous wish fulfillment story. It’s Catch Me If You Can with more babes and a happy ending.
May 26th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Downeys a great actor but I wouldn’t pay to see this. I hope he turns it down.
And I wouldn’t step foot in Hefs grotto, I’m sure its steaming with Hep-C.
Everything about Hef is pretty gross at this point.
Anyone that’s seen a few minutes of his wive’s bunny show , gets the drift of what this freak is all about.
And man those chicks are disturbing looking.
Let’s let Stan Lee’s Cameo be his swan song….