Tom Cruise is to play Playboy boss Hugh Hefner in a new biopic, according to U.S. reports.

The Top Gun star is Hefner's favourite to portray him and Cruise is said to be very interested in the controversial role.

A source says, "Tom knows of Hugh's colourful past and thinks he would be the perfect person to bring it to the big screen. "He also thinks the role would be a challenge for him, and would remind people of his versatility as an actor. At the moment people are concentrating on his personal life, and his marriage to Katie - but he wants to remind them that he can act too."

A spokesperson for the star has refused to confirm or deny whether he has accepted the part. (KL/WNWCSY)

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