Harris was Hefner’s wife until his death in 2017, and in a message to Biel on Instagram, she writes, “I experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse in that relationship.” The message continues, “Many other woman have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well. There are also deeply troubling concerns involving minors. I hope everyone involved in this film takes the time to listen to the women who lived it before helping Hollywood turn it back into nostalgia.”
While we obviously haven’t seen the movie, these appear to be pretty valid (and, frankly, recurring) concerns based on what we know about its premise. At the very least, the logline—about a 13-year-old who befriends one of the Playmates and “try to help each other get what the other wants most, a magazine cover and a boy”—certainly sounds like it will present an idealized environment, one in which it somehow won’t be deeply disturbing to see a young girl spend a lot of her time. The screenplay is written by Lorraine Nicholson, who is the daughter of Jack Nicholson and based at least partially on her own experiences. Bill Pullman is set to star as Hugh Hefner, with Lily-Rose Depp and Indiana Elle also confirmed in the cast.
