The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Chris Hemsworth (Avengers: Endgame) will portray Hulk Hogan in an upcoming biopic set to be directed by the Oscar-nominated Todd Phillips (Borat, A Star is Born) from a script by Scott Silver (The Joker).
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The biopic will not delve into those years or attempt to encompass an entire life. Instead, the project will focus on Hogan’s rise and is described as an origin story of the Hulkster and Hulkamania. The deal, which is in closing stages with Netflix, includes the life rights with Hogan, aka Terry Gene Bollea, acting as a consult and executive producer on the feature.
One of the biggest names in wrestling of all time, Hogan was a fixture on TV sets in 1980s America as part of the World Wrestling Federation, parlaying his championships-winning leg drops and star power into forays into movies and television, endorsements and video games.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan began his career in the late 1970s in the Florida fighting circuit and when he started in the WWF frequently squared off against Andre the Giant as a villainous fighter. When Vince McMahon took over the company and began expanding it into a national presence, Hogan was its face and by then a hero persona. By the end of the ’80s, he was one of the Me Decade’s key personalities, gracing magazine covers, appearing on nightly talk shows, and even headlining a Saturday morning cartoon.
In the 21st century, however, Hogan’s fortunes were see-sawing as personal conflicts overtook those inside the ring. Most notably, he was embroiled in a sex tape scandal, with the wife of a friend and radio personality, including a years-long lawsuit that precipitated the end of Gawker and led to Hogan receiving tens of millions of dollars in a settlement.
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Michael Sugar (Spotlight) will produce via his Netflix-based company Sugar 23. Phillips and Bradley Cooper will also produce through their Joint Effort banner, alongside Hemsworth and Eric Bischoff. Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman will co-produce the project, which is in the early stages. Ashley Zalta from Sugar23 will also executive produce.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
