Brett Ratner’s Planned Hugh Hefner Biopic Unravels Amid Claims Of Sexual Misconduct

Just as House of Cards folded in the wake of Kevin Spacey’s ongoing scandal, so too has Brett Ratner’s long-gestating Hugh Hefner biopic, which lost the backing of Playboy Enterprises soon after this morning’s shocking revelations.

Early reports had suggested that Ratner planned to reunite Suicide Squad duo Margot Robbie and Jared Leto, though the latter’s representatives have since gone on record to say that Leto never had any intentions to play the late Playboy mogul. No word from Margot Robbie’s camp just yet, but we’re nigh on certain that the actress’ ‘involvement’ will ultimately be dismissed as unfounded paper talk.

Not that it matters much anymore, as Deadline is reporting that Brett Ratner’s Hugh Hefner film is essentially dead in the water. Here’s that official statement from Jared Leto’s rep:

Jared Leto is not and was not attached to a Brett Ratner directed Hugh Hefner film, nor will he be working with him in the future. Earlier reports were incorrect and not confirmed by his representatives.

“Deeply troubling” has sadly become a common phrase of late, with a number of prominent Hollywood figures – namely Spacey, James Toback, Dustin Hoffman, Harvey Weinstein and now Ratner – under the spotlight amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Six actresses, including X-Men and The Predator‘s Olivia Munn, have come forward about Brett Ratner to the Los Angeles Times, and that Ratner was almost allowed to helm a biopic about Hefner, a sex empire media tycoon, is frankly inexcusable.

Here’s the official statement from Playboy Enterprises:

We are deeply troubled to learn about the accusations against Brett Ratner. We find this kind of behavior completely unacceptable. We are putting all further development of our projects with RatPac Entertainment on hold until we are able to review the situation further.

Brett Ratner is yet to release an official statement on the matter – his attorney, Martin Singer, flat-out denies any and all allegations, but the evidence is mounting. Either way, after seven years simmering on the brink of development, that proposed Hugh Hefner biopic is no more.