Jared Leto tapped to play ‘Playboy’ founder Hugh Hefner

Credit: Isaac Brekken

Credit: Isaac Brekken

The Joker and the Playboy -- Jared Leto has been tapped to play the men’s magazine founder Hugh Hefner in a biopic in development.

Brett Ratner has obtained the rights for Hef's story and is set to direct, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Hefner died last week at the age of 91.

"Jared is an old friend." Ratner told the website. "When he heard I got the rights to Hef's story, 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."

However, the internet isn't very happy about the casting or the director, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Ratner has been trying to make the film since 2007.

Leto is in the upcoming "Blade Runner 2049." Ratner plans to reboot the 1960s talk show "Playboy After Dark" that was hosted by Hefner, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

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