Hulk Hogan’s Biopic Faces Uncertain Future After His Death

Pro-wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at the age of 71, prompting renewed interest in a biopic about his controversial life. Hogan, a defining figure in professional wrestling, had a career that spanned from the late 1970s until early 2025, with notable appearances in films such as Rocky III and Suburban Commando. A biopic was once in development at Netflix, featuring Chris Hemsworth in the lead role, but the project was ultimately cancelled due to financial complications.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation of Hogan’s Biopic

The cancellation of the biopic was discussed by Hogan himself in a 2024 interview on the PBD podcast. He explained that the project encountered a financial hurdle when “they kind of missed a beat in the contract,” indicating that a payment issue contributed to its downfall. Although the specifics remain somewhat unclear, it is evident that financial and contractual disputes played a significant role in halting the film’s progress.

Hogan praised Scott Silver‘s script, describing it as “amazing.” The screenplay was intended to chronicle his life, including his transition from WWE to WCW. Following Hogan’s death, discussions have resurfaced about whether a comprehensive biopic could now be produced, addressing both his illustrious wrestling career and the controversies that marked his later years.

Controversial Legacy Complicates Biopic Prospects

Hogan’s career was not without its controversies, the most significant being the revelations of racist remarks in 2015. Recordings released by Radar Online and the National Enquirer exposed Hogan’s use of racial slurs, leading to a three-year ban from WWE. Though he was reinstated in 2018, the fallout affected his reputation, and fans expressed their discontent during events, such as booing him at WWE Raw.

Any potential biopic would need to navigate this troubling chapter of Hogan’s life carefully. Addressing the racism scandal without downplaying its seriousness presents a significant challenge for filmmakers. A portrayal that glosses over these issues could result in accusations of attempting to erase a critical aspect of Hogan’s legacy.

Despite the controversies that have surrounded him, some public figures have managed to rehabilitate their careers after similar incidents. For example, actor Mel Gibson faced a significant backlash following an anti-Semitic rant in 2006, yet he eventually returned to prominence in Hollywood, earning an Oscar nomination for Hacksaw Ridge in 2016. However, Gibson’s comeback took nearly a decade and remains overshadowed by his past actions.

With Hogan’s biopic now facing its own set of challenges, it is reasonable to conclude that if the project were to be revived, it might require a similar timeframe for public sentiment to shift. The discourse surrounding the film would likely focus heavily on how it addresses Hogan’s racism, making the topic a contentious one.

The notion of a biopic exploring Hulk Hogan‘s life and impact on wrestling remains compelling, especially in light of his recent passing. However, filmmakers would need to approach the project with sensitivity and nuance, weighing the significance of his contributions against the controversies that marred his legacy.

As the entertainment industry reflects on Hogan’s life, discussions surrounding the potential for a biopic could linger for years. The complexities of his public image suggest that any future film would not only need to celebrate his achievements but also confront the uncomfortable truths that define his legacy.