Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Pullman are set to enter the world of the Playboy Mansion with Playmates, a new coming-of-age drama that has been acquired by Searchlight Pictures.
The film marks the feature directorial debut of Lorraine Nicholson, who has also written the screenplay. Nicholson, the daughter of Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson, is drawing on elements of her own childhood experiences around the Playboy Mansion for the project.
Playmates is set in Los Angeles and centres on 13-year-old Elle, played by Indiana Elle, a confident young girl who regards the Playboy Mansion as almost a second home. Her world changes when she meets Anna, portrayed by Depp, one of seven women hoping to become Playmate of the Month.
Despite their very different ages and circumstances, Elle and Anna form an unexpected friendship. The pair decide to help one another pursue their respective goals — Anna dreams of landing a magazine cover, while Elle is focused on winning over a boy.
Pullman will portray Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, bringing the veteran actor into one of the film’s most recognisable real-world roles.
Rather than presenting a conventional biographical account of Hefner or Playboy, Playmates is being positioned as a fictionalised coming-of-age story, with Nicholson using her personal connection to the setting as inspiration.
Nicholson previously wrote and directed the short film Life Boat, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival. She has also studied at the AFI Directing Workshop for Women and contributed to publications including Vanity Fair and W.
For Depp, Playmates adds another intriguing project to an increasingly varied slate. Following her acclaimed performance in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, the actress is set to reunite with Eggers for Werwulf. She will also appear in the Zellner Brothers’ sci-fi comedy Alpha Gang.
Pullman continues to balance major film projects with television and independent cinema. His recent work includes Netflix’s The Boroughs, while his upcoming projects include A24’s Famous and Spaceballs: The New One.
Indiana Elle has also been building momentum, following her role in The Housemaid with appearances in Apple’s Imperfect Woman and The Dink.
Playmates will be produced by Alex Orlovsky and Duncan Montgomery for High Frequency Entertainment, alongside Depp.
With Nicholson bringing a deeply personal connection to its setting and a cast led by Depp, Pullman and Elle, Playmates promises to explore an unusual chapter of Los Angeles culture through the perspective of an unlikely friendship and a young girl’s coming-of-age.
Further details regarding production and a release date have yet to be announced.
