Can you picture James Franco playing the role of Hugh Hefner circa the early ’70’s? That may become a reality as the star is in talks to appear in the upcoming drama Lovelace. This news follows word that four more actors were recently cast in the movie, which is set to begin filming next week.

Earlier today, we shared news that Hank Azaria, Bobby Cannavale, Chris Noth, and Robert Patrick were set to play roles in the upcoming Rob Epstein/Jeffrey Friedman directed film Lovelace. The movie stars Amanda Seyfried as adult film star Linda Lovelace. Peter Sarsgaard will play Lovelace’s husband.

Variety is now reporting that James Franco is in talks to play Playboy founder Hugh Hefner in the film. The site notes Franco’s previous connection to directors Epstein and Friedman, having worked with them in the 2010 film Howl. With the film set to begin shooting next Tuesday, it’s likely they’ll want to have the cast lined up, and ready to go, however from what Variety says, Hefner's appearance in the film consists of greeting Lovelace and her husband Chuck as they enter the Playboy mansion for a screening. Should the deal go through, Franco would only need to be on set for a day. It'd definitely be interesting to see Franco in the part, even if it was only for a brief moment in the film.