In a surprising turn of events, fitness guru Richard Simmons has spoken out against an upcoming biopic that will feature comedian Pauly Shore playing his role. Simmons took to Facebook to share his disapproval, stating that he had never given permission for the movie and urged his fans not to believe everything they read.

The biopic, produced by Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, claims to plan a movie that respects Simmons' desire for privacy while celebrating and honoring his life. The production company acknowledges Simmons' profound impact on millions of people and believes that his story needs to be recognized.

Simmons, widely recognized in the fitness industry, gained immense popularity with his flamboyant and eccentric personality, as well as his successful line of "Sweatin' to the Oldies" aerobics videos. He became a regular on various TV shows, including "Late Night With David Letterman," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and "The Howard Stern Show," where he shared his weight-loss strategies and advice.

However, in 2014, Simmons disappeared from public life, sparking widespread concern among his fans. Despite addressing the situation in a phone interview with "Today" in 2016 and asserting his preference for privacy, Simmons continues to be a somewhat enigmatic figure.

Meanwhile, a short film titled "The Court Jester," in which Shore also plays Simmons, will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19 before being released on YouTube. Directed by Jake Lewis, this short film is unrelated to the controversial biopic.

Shore, unfazed by Simmons' disapproval, expressed his excitement about sharing Simmons' life with the world. He sees the biopic as an opportunity to highlight important themes such as mental health and authenticity. Despite not having Simmons' blessing, Shore believes that the world needs this biopic now more than ever.

The Wolper Organization, in serious discussions with a notable writer, aims to develop the biopic as a dramatic and heartfelt feature film in the vein of "Little Miss Sunshine." Mark Wolper, representing the studio, revealed that the idea had been circling them for years but only recently solidified when Pauly Shore's name emerged as the top contender to play Richard Simmons.

While it remains to be seen how the biopic unfolds, the controversy surrounding the casting choice has certainly garnered attention, raising questions about the boundaries between personal privacy and public recognition. As Simmons continues to lead a quiet life away from the public eye, his fans eagerly await the depiction of his fascinating story on the big screen.