Last year it was announced that Netflix was working on a Hulk Hogan biopic and not only was the wrestling phenom on board as a consultant, but Chris Hemsworth was set the headline the film as Hulk Hogan himself. Since then, news on the project has been scarce but Hemsworth says the project is still happening.
While making the rounds promoting his latest release, EXTRACTION, Hemsworth spoke with "ScreenRant" and revealed the script is still being written but he has yet to set his eyes on it:
"Look, I haven't read a script yet. I know it's being written now and worked on. I know very little about that. It's sort of in the process now."
Hulk Hogan has had a long and storied career which has seen him go from one of the most popular mainstream wrestlers in the world, to reality star with his family via Hogan Knows Best to scandal that involved a leaked sex tape and the use of the N-word that put him in serious hot water in the public eye. Hogan overcame those obstacles and was able to reboot his career but for Hemsworth, the appeal of becoming Hogan lies in getting to take a closer look at the larger-than-life world of wrestling entertainment:
"I'm just fascinated by that world, and I think they're pretty keen to show a side of the world that people haven't seen before. I'm as intrigued as you are."
The biopic is expected to explore Hogan's early years as a professional up-and-comer on the Florida wrestling circuit in the 1970s, to his induction into the WWF in the 1980s, and the explosive rise of 'Hulkamania' that followed. Todd Phillips, fresh off the success of JOKER, is attached to direct the biopic, with Scott Silver of JOKER and 8 MILE fame, and John Pollono attached as writers.
It'll be interesting to see how they attack this film because it could be more of an entertaining romp or it could go into the less glitzy side of the industry, similar to what they did in the Oscar-nominated film, THE WRESTLER, starring Mickey Rourke & Marisa Tomei. I kind of see a Hulk Hogan biopic taking on a lighter tone but it'll be an interesting role choice for Hemsworth who is looking for roles that differentiate him from his Marvel roots playing Thor.
What shape do YOU think a Hulk Hogan biopic should take?