It's time to get pumped, Hulkamaniacs, as word has reached the ring that David A. Neuman’s Blackrock Productions now has a choke-hold on the rights to develop and produce an adaptation of author Ryan Holiday’s Conspiracy – Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker and the Anatomy of Intrigue, a book which details the legal battle between legendary pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), Gawker Media and its founder Nick Denton, and Silicon Valley titan Peter Thiel.
As the story goes, Thiel put up the cash for Hogan's victorious courtroom brawl against the publishing group after they'd unlawfully published a sex tape starring the handlebar-mustachioed professional wrestler and reality star. Upon the judge ruling in Hogan's favor, Gawker was ordered to reward the shirt-ripping Hulkster with $140 million dollars, to which Gawker then filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter. Since that time, the case of Hogan versus Gawker has served as a benchmark in cases involving privacy and the media.
Holiday's book, which body slammed its way onto store shelves this past Tuesday, was written with the cooperation of Hogan, Denton, and Thiel, Hogan’s lawyer, Charles Harder, and even the shadowy ‘Mr. A,’ who is said to have orchestrated the conspiracy behind closed doors.
For the time being, there's no official word as to whether the project will hit the big or small screens. However, Neuman assures that the adaptation is "very far along in exploring both options,” as reported by Deadline, who broke the news this afternoon. “The talent we’re talking to will help us tip the scale one way or another,” Neuman then added.
What are you gonna do when the Hulkster comes for you in the courtroom, brother? Will you plant your feet firmly against the mat and brace yourself for impact, or simply exit the ring in absolute disinterest? It goes without saying that Hogan's star has fallen a considerable amount since the Gawker incident, particularly when coupled with the bulky behemoth's past racist remarks and embarrassing stint as the star of HOGAN KNOWS BEST, a reality show that provided fans with a less-than-desirable look at the celebrities (exaggerated) family life.
Nevertheless, Neuman's Hulk Hogan project could make for a compelling courtroom drama, should it secure a crew of dedicated individuals to enter the proverbial ring. We'll just have to wait for the bell to ring on this one.