Why the Hulk Hogan biopic with Chris Hemsworth never made it to the ring

Following the death of professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, attention has returned to the once high-profile biopic that never materialised, despite the involvement of major Hollywood names. First announced in 2019, the untitled project was set to star Thor actor Chris Hemsworth as Hogan, with Joker director Todd Phillips on board to direct and co-write the screenplay with Scott Silver (The Fighter, 8 Mile) and Jon Pollono.

Set up at Netflix, the film promised to chart the life of Hogan (born Terry Bollea) from his early days as a rising wrestler to his mainstream fame and later controversies, including the Gawker lawsuit and leaked tapes featuring racist remarks. The project gained early buzz for its A-list cast and creative team, with Oscar-winning Spotlight producer Michael Sugar also attached.

However, the film never moved forward. The release and surprise success of Joker in late 2019 shifted Phillips’ focus, while the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 delayed or shelved numerous productions, including this one. Despite renewed interest in 2023 — when Hemsworth said he still hoped to play the wrestling legend — creative momentum slowed. Phillips went on to direct Joker: Folie à Deux, released in 2024, but later confirmed to Variety that he had officially stepped away from the Hogan project. “I love what we were trying to do,” he said, “but that’s not going to come together for me.”

In a 2024 podcast, Hogan himself revealed a contractual issue caused a key payment to be missed, contributing to the project’s collapse. He praised Silver’s script, calling it “very dark,” and hinted that the screenplay had the potential to make waves if ever released.

Despite the roadblocks, Hollywood insiders suggest that the project isn’t entirely dead. A strong script, an interested star, and the renewed attention following Hogan’s death may yet revive the film if the financial and legal hurdles can be cleared