Aubrey Plaza Set to Embody Hollywood's Most Notorious Madam in 'The Heidi Fleiss Story' Biopic

In a bold new role, Aubrey Plaza is stepping into the scandal-soaked world of 1990s Los Angeles to portray Heidi Fleiss, the infamous “Hollywood Madam,” in an upcoming biopic that’s already generating major buzz in the entertainment world.

Plaza, known for her sharp wit, offbeat charm, and fearless performances, is not only starring in the project but also serving as a producer. The film, titled The Heidi Fleiss Story, promises to be a gripping dramatization of Fleiss’s meteoric rise in elite Hollywood circles — and her subsequent fall from grace.

A Bold Move in Aubrey Plaza’s Career

With acclaimed roles in The White Lotus, Emily the Criminal, and Ingrid Goes West, Plaza has continually redefined her acting portfolio. Her decision to take on the complex character of Heidi Fleiss signals a deepening of her commitment to dramatic roles that explore the grey areas of fame, power, and morality.

This biopic marks a significant milestone in Plaza’s trajectory — both as a leading actress and as a serious creative force behind the camera.

“Aubrey Plaza has the intelligence, audacity, and emotional range needed to portray Heidi Fleiss in all her contradictions,” a source close to the production told Entertainment Weekly. “This isn’t just a comeback story. It’s a psychological portrait of a woman who shaped — and was destroyed by — Hollywood’s double standards.”

The Story Behind the Scandal

For those unfamiliar with the real-life narrative, Heidi Fleiss emerged in the early 1990s as a powerful figure in Los Angeles nightlife. At just 27 years old, she managed a high-priced prostitution ring that catered to elite celebrities, business tycoons, and even foreign dignitaries.

Nicknamed “The Hollywood Madam” by the press, Fleiss became a household name following her arrest in 1993. She was ultimately convicted of tax evasion and money laundering in 1996 and served time in federal prison.

The biopic is expected to delve into not just Fleiss’s criminal enterprise but also the personal trauma and societal hypocrisy that surrounded her trial. The film will shed light on how the media frenzy, public shaming, and celebrity connections shaped the public perception of one of America’s most sensationalized figures.

Creative Powerhouses Behind the Camera

The Heidi Fleiss Story is being directed by Leah Rachel, best known for her work on Chambers and Seven Seconds, both of which tackle complex female narratives. Her gritty, emotional style is expected to bring intensity and authenticity to the portrayal of Fleiss.

The script is co-written by comedian-actress Rachel Sennott (Bottoms, Shiva Baby) and screenwriter Travis Jackson. This blend of comedic insight and dramatic nuance is expected to strike a balance between dark satire and emotional realism — a tone perfectly suited to a character like Fleiss.

The film is being produced by Pinky Promise, the indie studio behind critically acclaimed titles such as The Last Showgirl and One More Shot. The studio has a track record of championing character-driven stories with strong female leads and disruptive storytelling.

Industry Reaction and Buzz

Early reactions from film insiders and entertainment reporters suggest that this could be a breakout film for awards season in 2026. Critics point to Plaza’s track record of choosing off-kilter, daring roles that often become cult classics.

If the film succeeds, it could place her in the same echelon as actresses like Charlize Theron (Monster) or Margot Robbie (I, Tonya), both of whom earned Oscar nominations for portraying complicated, controversial women.

Read more about Aubrey Plaza’s evolving career

Cultural Timing and Relevance

The timing of this biopic is notable. In an era increasingly concerned with power dynamics, media exploitation, and gender justice, revisiting Fleiss’s story may prompt a broader cultural reckoning.

Rather than simply depicting her as a scandalous footnote in tabloid history, the film seems poised to examine Fleiss’s narrative through a modern feminist lens — exploring themes of autonomy, survival, and exploitation in the entertainment industry.

In an interview last year, Plaza said she was looking for “roles that are dangerous, raw, and real.” With The Heidi Fleiss Story, it seems she has found exactly that.

What’s Next

Filming for The Heidi Fleiss Story is expected to begin in late fall 2025, with a targeted theatrical release in summer 2026. Casting for supporting roles, including several yet-to-be-named celebrities rumored to be involved in Fleiss’s network, is currently underway.

This film is likely to stir debate, draw headlines, and possibly redefine Plaza’s place in Hollywood.

For more updates on this developing project, follow Deadline’s entertainment section.