Lily-Rose Depp to Star in Playboy Mansion-Inspired Film 'Playmates'

In an exciting development for cinema, Lily-Rose Depp is slated to star in "Playmates," a forthcoming coming-of-age drama that delves into the intriguing world of the Playboy Mansion during its heyday. This project signifies the directorial debut of Lorraine Nicholson, who draws upon her own unconventional childhood experiences within the mansion's walls. The film, recently acquired by Searchlight Pictures, promises a unique narrative perspective on the cultural phenomenon that was the Playboy empire. It explores themes of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery against the backdrop of an iconic and often misunderstood setting, offering audiences a fresh take on a familiar yet enigmatic environment.

Lorraine Nicholson, daughter of cinematic legend Jack Nicholson, channels her formative years into the screenplay and direction of "Playmates." Her personal connection to the Playboy Mansion, where she spent considerable time during her childhood, provides an authentic foundation for the story. The plot centers on a 13-year-old character, portrayed by rising star Indiana Elle, who views the mansion as a secondary home. Her life intertwines with Anna, played by Lily-Rose Depp, one of several aspiring individuals vying for the coveted title of Playmate of the Month. Their developing friendship forms the core of the narrative, as they navigate their aspirations—one for a magazine cover, the other for a boy—within this extraordinary setting. Veteran actor Bill Pullman, whose own family boasts a strong Hollywood presence, is cast as the enigmatic Playboy founder, Hugh Hefner.

Nicholson’s distinctive upbringing profoundly shaped her vision for the film. In a 2024 essay for Vanity Fair, she recounted her experiences growing up around the mansion, detailing childhood memories that included Easter egg hunts, riding child-sized vehicles on the tennis courts, and exploring the famous grotto. She described her initial perception of the mansion as a magical place, a sentiment that gradually evolved as she matured and began to grasp the complex social dynamics at play among the adults and other children who frequented the estate. These personal reflections underline the nuanced portrayal expected in "Playmates," aiming to offer a perspective beyond mere glamour or notoriety.

The production of "Playmates" is helmed by Alex Orlovsky and Duncan Montgomery of High Frequency Entertainment, with Lily-Rose Depp also serving as a producer. Orlovsky and Montgomery bring over two decades of experience in independent filmmaking to the project, having previously worked on acclaimed features such as Derek Cianfrance’s "Roofman" and Gia Coppola’s "The Last Showgirl." Lorraine Nicholson herself is an alumna of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women and has directed the short film "Life Boat," which earned a premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. This formidable team, coupled with a compelling narrative inspired by real-life experiences, sets the stage for a poignant and insightful cinematic exploration of a bygone era.

The cast members are actively engaged in other significant projects. Lily-Rose Depp recently garnered attention for her role in Robert Eggers’ "Nosferatu" and is slated to appear in Eggers’ upcoming film "Werwulf," as well as the Zellner brothers’ sci-fi comedy "Alpha Gang." Bill Pullman has been seen in "The Boroughs" and Paul Schrader’s "The Basics of Philosophy," with an appearance in "Spaceballs: The New One" on the horizon. Indiana Elle, following her debut in "The Housemaid," has also featured in Apple TV’s "Imperfect Woman" and the comedy "The Dink," in addition to an early role as a young Taylor Swift in a music video. The project's oversight falls to Richard Ruiz, VP of production, and creative executive Cornelia Burleigh at Searchlight, under the guidance of production and development heads DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas.

This film is poised to provide an intimate and humanizing glimpse into the legendary Playboy Mansion, seen through the innocent yet increasingly aware eyes of a young girl. By focusing on the evolving friendship between the two main characters, the movie aims to unravel the complexities of identity and belonging within an environment often sensationalized. It promises to be a deeply personal narrative, combining the unique insights of its director with stellar performances from its talented cast, offering a reflective commentary on a distinctive period in cultural history.