Jessica Biel has joined the cast of "Playmates," Variety has learned. She'll star opposite previously announced cast members Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Pullman and Indiana Elle in the film, which marks the feature writing and directorial debut of Lorraine Nicholson.
The official logline describes the story as centering on Elle (played by Indiana Elle), a thirteen-year-old know-it-all who considers the Playboy Mansion her second home. She meets Anna (Depp), one of seven hopefuls vying to become Playmate of the Month, and the two form an unlikely friendship as they try to help each other get what they each want most — a magazine cover and a boy.
Biel will play the wife of Hugh Hefner, portrayed by Pullman, in a role that is fictional despite Hefner's real-life history of multiple marriages. Her character is herself a former Playmate.
Biel's acting credits include the films "The Illusionist," "New Year's Eve," "Valentine's Day" and "The A-Team," along with the series "7th Heaven," "Candy," "The Sinner" and "The Better Sister." Her performance in "The Sinner" earned her both an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe nomination. Beyond acting, Biel has built a prolific producing career through her Iron Ocean banner, executive producing shows including "Cruel Summer" and "Limetown," as well as starring vehicles "Candy" and "The Sinner." She is represented by UTA, LBI Entertainment, The Lede Company and Yorn Levine Barnes.
Searchlight Pictures is producing "Playmates," with Nicholson writing and directing. Alex Orlovsky and Duncan Montgomery are producing through High Frequency Entertainment, and Depp is producing in addition to starring. Searchlight vice president of production Richard Ruiz and creative executive Cornelia Burleigh are overseeing the project for the studio.
Photo: Presidio of Monterey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
