Both wrestling and Hollywood fans are disappointed after the company involved in the highly advertised Hulk Hogan biopic, due to be starred by Chris Hemsworth, officially shelved it. The film promised to explore the life of the wrestling icon, from his meteoric rise in the WWE to the cultural impact of one of the most recognizable figures in sports.
Hulk Hogan himself declared the cancellation of the project recently in a candid interview of how things went wrong and future hopes. “It’s unfortunate,” Hogan said. “The script was fantastic, and Chris was totally committed to capturing my story. But sometimes, the stars just don’t align.” Hogan stopped short of elaborating further on the specific reasons, but insiders say creative differences and logistical challenges did major parts in putting an end to the project.
The biopic, first announced in 2019, was set to explore Hogan’s early days as Terry Bollea, his rise to fame in the 1980s, and the creation of his larger-than-life persona. Chris Hemsworth, known for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, had expressed excitement about the role, stating it would require a significant physical transformation to embody the legendary wrestler. Hemsworth had already started an intense bulking program for the role.
“I was blown away by how much Chris was pouring into it,” Hogan said. “Chris was already channeling the energy of Hulkamania.”
Todd Phillips, director of Joker, was also attached to handle the film, based on a script by Scott Silver. All this meant that expectations had reached stratospheric levels.
While fans may not find Hemsworth sporting the signature red-and-yellow costume anytime soon, Hogan is undeterred. “My story isn’t over,” he teased. “Maybe this isn’t the right time, but I believe it’ll happen one day.”
The cancellation has become a subject of debate among fans over Hollywood’s ability to bring wrestling stories on the big screen. With this setback, wrestling enthusiasts and movie fans alike remain optimistic for a worthy portrayal of the Hulkster’s unparalleled legacy in the future.
