Jared Leto to Play Hugh Hefner

Hugh Hefner just passed away and a bio-pic is ready to roll. This isn't the first time a movie about Hugh Hefner has been in the works. At one point Robert Downey Jr. was set to play Hefner. But now we have a new Playboy King. Jared Leto.

The movie will be directed by Brett Ratner, who said that Leto sought out the part of Hef because he wanted to "understand" Hugh.

Ratner also said:

"Jared is an old friend. When he heard I got the rights, 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."

The great actor comment is definitely not stretching the truth. Although Leto's version of the Joker leaves a bit to be desired.

Leto actually got the role before Hefner died, but apparently Hugh's health was already pretty bad.

Hefner's death certificate was released this week and his immediate cause of the death was cardiac arrest, but he also suffered from respiratory failure, blood poisoning and E.coli.