Ratner Wants Downey Jr. For Hefner Role

LATEST: Hollywood director BRETT RATNER is desperate to sign ROBERT DOWNEY JR. to play porn mogul HUGH HEFNER in a big-screen biopic of his life - insisting he's the only man up to the job.

Last month (May08), the Playboy boss himself gave Iron Man star Downey Jr. his seal of approval, after being impressed by his portrayal of wealthy playboy Tony Stark in the hit comic-book adaptation.

And now the movie's director Ratner has expressed his interest in working with the former hellraiser - stating they haven't approached anyone else to play the lead role.

Speaking at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (01Jun08), he says, "I don't know if the script comes in and he wants to do it… but we're definitely interested in him starring in it… that's for sure.

"We want Downey. Once Downey says yes..."

Downey Jr. is said to be keen to take on the role of Hefner - as long as the script is right.