Lily‑Rose Depp Dazzles at Playboy Mansion in Searchlight’s New Drama

Searchlight Pictures has signed the play‑by‑play script *Playmates* for theatrical release, a coming‑of‑age film that turns the Playboy Mansion into a backdrop for teenage ambition.

The story follows 13‑year‑old Indiana as she navigates high school and the glittering halls of the Playboy estate while forming an unexpected bond with Anna, a hopeful Playmate contestant. The film is directed by first‑time feature director Lorraine Nicholson from her own screenplay.

The project brings together a diverse ensemble: Lily‑Rose Depp portrays Anna, Bill Pullman plays Hugh Heffner, the fictional head of Playboy, and Indiana takes on the role of. Nicholson’s script draws loosely from her own experiences at the Playboy Mansion and promises to blend satire with a heartfelt look at identity and desire.

Production is led by Alex Orlovsky and Duncan Montgomery of High Frequency Entertainment, with Searchlight’s Richard Ruiz and Cornelia Burleigh overseeing development.

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## Background & Context

*Playmates* centers on, a precocious 13‑year‑old who considers the Playboy Mansion “her second home.” During a summer at the estate, she meets Anna, one of seven hopefuls vying to be Playmate of the Month. Their unlikely friendship forms as they help each other pursue what they want most—a magazine cover for Anna and a boy for.

The narrative aims to explore themes of ambition, agency, and the pressures of adolescence against a glossy, controversial setting.

Lorraine Nicholson, daughter of Oscar‑winning actor Jack Nicholson and actress Rebecca Broussard, helms the feature debut from her own script. Prior to *Playmates*, Nicholson wrote and directed the short film *Life Boat*, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival.

She is a graduate of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women and has contributed to and W magazines. Nicholson is represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as well as Adam Paulsen of Canopy Media Partners and Hansen Jacobson Teller.

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## Cast & Crew

Lily‑Rose Depp, known for her work in Robert Eggers’ *Nosferatu* and upcoming projects such as the Zellner Brothers’ *Alpha Gang*, joins the cast as Anna. Depp is represented by CAA, Markham, Froggatt & Irwin, Agence Adequat and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols.

Her recent collaborations include a re‑team with Eggers on *Werwulf* and appearances in *The Housemaid* and Apple’s *Imperfect Woman*.

Bill Pullman, whose credits include Netflix’s *The Boroughs*, *Everybody Digs Bill Evans*, and Paul Schrader’s *The Basics of Philosophy*, portrays Hugh Heffner, the fictional head of Playboy. Pullman is represented by CAA. His recent work also includes upcoming projects with A24 and Spaceballs.

Indiana, who gained attention in Lionsgate’s *The Housemaid* as Cecelia Winchester, plays. She has appeared in Apple’s *Imperfect Woman* and *The Dink*. is represented by Sovereign Talent Group and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.

The supporting crew includes producer Alex Orlovsky and Duncan Montgomery of High Frequency Entertainment; Searchlight’s VP Production Richard Ruiz and Creative Executive Cornelia Burleigh oversee the project, reporting to DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson‑Thomas.

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## Production & Release Plans

Searchlight’s production team has assembled a seasoned group to shepherd *Playmates* from script to screen. The studio’s Head of Production and Development, DanTram Nguyen, and Katie Goodson‑Thomas are supervising the project alongside the executive producers.

This move follows Searchlight’s recent announcement of two Oscar contenders for the fall: Martin McDonagh’s *Wild Horse Nine*, opening November 6, and Tony Gilroy’s *Behemoth!*, opening December 4.

The studio is also preparing a sequel to *The Family Stone* titled *The Families Stone*, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

While specific release dates for *Playmates* remain unannounced, the film is positioned as part of Searchlight’s slate of high‑profile projects for the upcoming season. The studio’s strategy appears to blend socially relevant narratives with star‑powered packaging to capture diverse audiences.

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The collaboration between a fresh director, seasoned performers, and a provocative premise positions *Playmates* as a notable addition to Searchlight’s portfolio. As production moves forward, industry observers will likely monitor how the film navigates its sensitive themes while delivering an engaging coming‑of‑age story.