Downey, who battled drug addiction and legal troubles for years, is reportedly clean and sober and enjoying a career renaissance thanks in part to his spring blockbuster "Iron Man."

The Sun-Times said while a deal for Downey to play Chicago native Hefner in the planned movie "Playboy" is not complete, sources said Hefner has expressed an interest in having Downey play him.

Hefner is said to have liked the wit and vulnerability Downey showed in "Iron Man."

The newspaper said a start date has not been set for "Playboy," but it could begin shooting as soon as next summer, depending on Downey's "Iron Man 2" schedule and the finalization of the Hefner script.

A representative for Downey confirmed to the Sun-Times he is interested in the role, but not likely to sign on to the project until he sees a screenplay and a director is chosen.