Jessica Biel’s next film role has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about stories. She joined the cast of “Playmates,” Searchlight Pictures’ upcoming film set around the Playboy Mansion, where she will play the wife of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Her casting has drawn a public reaction from people connected to Hefner’s story. hola
What is “Playmates”?
The film comes from writer-director Lorraine Nicholson, whose feature debut is inspired by her own experiences growing up around the Playboy Mansion. Deadline first reported Biel’s casting on October 6, 2026. holaHollywood Life
Who’s in it?
Biel stars alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Pullman, who plays Hefner, with Indiana Elle as the film’s young lead. Biel is returning to feature films after nearly 10 years. Hollywood Lifehola
Who does Biel play?
Not a real person. Her character is entirely fictional, a former Playmate who eventually marries Hefner, and she does not portray any of his three real-life wives. holaHollywood Life
The objection
Hefner’s widow, Crystal Hefner, publicly asked Biel to reconsider the part. Crystal also posted a direct message she sent to Biel. I’m not repeating the claims in that message here, because they are serious allegations, and they should be read in context from the original sources. Hollywood LifeTMZ
A former Playboy star’s response
Bridget Marquardt told The TMZ Podcast that Biel shouldn’t think twice about the message, and she said she thinks Crystal Harris was looking for attention. Marquardt also made a broader point. She said she doesn’t like it when someone doesn’t want other people to tell their story, and that everyone should be allowed to tell theirs, positive or negative. Bridget Marquardt Says Jessica Biel Should Stay in ‘Playmates’ Despite Crystal Harris’ Criticism +2
Has Biel responded?
TMZ noted that people are wondering whether she will respond. I found no public response from her in the reports so far. TMZ
Bottom line
A fictional character in a real, complicated story, and a public debate about who gets to tell it. For now, the film is still in the casting stage, and there’s no release date in the reports I found.
