Hulkamania is about to run wild as a Hulk Hogan biopic is scheduled to be released on Netflix in the near future. Set to be directed by Joker director Todd Phillips, who's co-writing with Scott Silver and John Pollono, the film will see actor Chris Hemsworth star as the Hulkster.
While the biopic is still in the early development stage, Hemsworth told Screen Rant that it'll "show a side of the [wrestling] world that people haven't seen before." It sounds promising, especially considering Phillips' attachment to the project. If Joker proved anything, it's that the filmmaker isn't shy of attracting controversy and creating uncomfortable films. Everyone knows that Hogan isn't quite the boy scout he portrays on TV, so there's a chance to peel back the layers and discover the real man behind the façade.
Alternatively, this could be Hemsworth working the press and drumming up excitement for the film. With all the talent attached to the project, it has the potential to be good, but there's one problem here: Hulk Hogan. Hogan has a reported history of controlling the narrative. Almost all of his contracts include a clause for creative control, and he doesn't like to be presented as weak, difficult, or a loser. He's extremely cautious about his image and chooses to focus on only positive Hogan stories.
This might cause friction with the filmmakers in the long run. Phillips and his team are likely to dig for the scandals, backstage politics, and the other side of Hogan not seen on TV. On the contrary, Hogan will want this to be a "rising star" story that presents his ascension to the top of the professional wrestling mountain. A traditional, by-the-numbers biopic about wrestling's most famous personality could end up looking like a WWE-approved production, stripped of all the juicy bits and being nothing more than free marketing for Hogan's next venture. And no one wants to see that. What the audience wants, though, is something similar to the Dark Side of the Ring documentary series.
Ever since the show aired in 2019, it's become a hot topic for fans and non-fans of pro wrestling. Every episode explores a controversial topic and features the views of the experts and people involved. Whether it's the Montreal Screwjob or the career-ending Brawl for All tournament, Dark Side of the Ring demystifies kayfabe, sparing no ego and showcasing the true reality that's often hidden from the fans.
Now, imagine something similar in Hogan's biopic. On the one hand, it establishes how the man born Terry Bollea took wrestling into the mainstream and immortalized himself in the almanacs of entertainment. At the same time, it showcases a man desperate to hold onto his position of power, using all of his backstage politickings to bury talent and keep the spotlight on himself.
There are about as many people who'll speak positively about Hogan as there are those who won't. There needs to be a balance that captures the beauty, the ugliness, and most importantly, the truth about his career. If this is to be a true representation of Hogan, it needs to be no-holds-barred and focus on all aspects of his life -- even the uncomfortable parts. It's no secret that Hogan is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of sports entertainment. While his success paved the way for others, he made many enemies along the way as he allegedly trampled on other careers to keep himself at the top. There's a great story to be told here, but it also needs to be the right one.