Searchlight Pictures acquires ‘Playmates’ film

Searchlight Pictures has acquired ‘Playmates’, a coming-of-age drama that marks the feature directing debut of Lorraine Nicholson. Nicholson will direct the film from her own screenplay, which is inspired by her personal childhood experiences growing up around the Playboy Mansion.

The Los Angeles-set story follows a 13-year-old character, played by Indiana Elle, as she navigates adolescence within the environment of the mansion. The cast includes Bill Pullman, who is set to portray Hugh Hefner, and Lily-Rose Depp. The narrative focuses on the bond between characters Elle and Anna as they pursue personal ambitions.

While Hefner is a central figure in the film, the project is described as a character-driven story centered on the perspective of a young girl rather than a conventional biopic.