HUGH HEFNER BIOPIC TO COME

Variety reports that "Rush Hour" director Brett Ratner will direct "Playboy," a biopic to center on Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner.

Several years ago, producer Brian Grazer optioned Hefner's life and ever since, has been trying to develop the project in one way, shape of form. At one point, Oliver Stone had been previously attached.

However, Ratner along with scribe John Hoffman, figured out an agle that pleases both Grazer and the 81-year-old publishing magnate.

Currently, Ratner is prepping an African-American 'Ocean's Eleven' style caper movie, and Hoffman just began writing the Hefner pic.

It's assumed the director next will shoot whichever one is ready.

It's a shame Ratner took the gig. Can you imagine if George Clooney decided to go behind the camera a third time? It's perfect material for him. The dude knows period films and is becoming a decent filmmaker in his own right.