The long -awaited biopic on Hulk Hogan has been officially canceled, leaving many disappointed fans. This project, which was in development since at least 2019, had generated great expectations, especially with Chris Hemsworth as the protagonist, who was going to play the legendary WWE fighter and a member of the Hall of Fame.
The film's address was in charge of Todd Phillips, known for his work in the acclaimed film Jokerwhich further increased the enthusiasm around production.
Initially, the project seemed to have all the ingredients to be a success. The combination of Hemsworth, an actor with great popularity, and Phillips, a director with a success history, promised a biopic that would capture the essence of Hulk Hogan and its impact on the world of entertainment. However, things began to crumble over time, and problem signs began to emerge at the end of 2023.
Hulk Hogan, who was a key figure in the development of the project, hinted in an interview at the end of 2023 that the film could not advance due to a “commercial problem.” This comment arose after Netflix, which was initially linked to the project, decided to withdraw from the production agreement. This decision of the streaming platform was a hard blow to the project, which depended largely on the financial and distribution support of Netflix.
Chris Hemsworth to play Hulk Hogan in biopic directed by Todd Phillips pic.twitter.com/bCGxfEF70R
— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) February 20, 2019
Despite the setbacks, Chris Hemsworth remained optimistic and in May 2024 he expressed his desire that the project could be revived. However, his enthusiasm was not enough to save the film. Recently, Todd Phillips, in a conversation with Variety Before the premiere of Joker: Folia with twoHe confirmed that the project had been definitively canceled. “I love what we were trying to do, but that will not materialize for me,” said Phillips, ending the hopes of fans.
The cancellation of the biopic leaves a void in the list of biographical films on iconic sport and entertainment figures. Hogan, whose wrestling career has left an indelible mark, seemed to have a story worthy of being told on the big screen. However, the complexities of the cinema business, combined with production problems, turned out to be unsurpassed obstacles.
Despite the disappointment, both Hemsworth and Phillips have other development projects that will surely capture the public's attention. Meanwhile, Hulk Hogan fans will have to be content with the memories and images of their WWE career, as well as their sporadic appearances in other events.
