On a recent episode of his 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff provided the definitive inside story on why the highly anticipated Hulk Hogan biopic, which was set to star Chris Hemsworth, was ultimately canceled. The Hogan biopic was first announced in 2019 with Todd Phillips set to direct.
Bischoff, who was a producer on the project, detailed a series of events involving COVID-19, a missed deadline by Netflix, and Hogan’s ultimate decision to protect his relationship with WWE. Bischoff explained that the project was on solid ground with A-list talent attached.
“Scott Silver wrote the script. Took about a year and a half,” he said. “Scott Silver told me it was the best script he’s ever written at that point… Todd Phillips couldn’t wait to make the movie. Chris Hemsworth jumps on board.” However, the production was halted before it could begin. “COVID hits, shuts down the film industry worldwide… that put everything behind two years.”
That delay proved fatal to the deal. According to Bischoff, Netflix was nearing the end of a two-year option on Hogan’s life rights and had to make a payment to extend it. “Netflix was right up against it. They had 24 hours or less to get a check to Hulk in order to retain their option for another year or two,” he revealed. “They missed the date by 12 hours. Technically, they were in breach… which means that was the end of the movie.”
Even with the lapsed deal, Bischoff said the ultimate reason the film was nixed was a change of heart from Hogan himself. “Hulk changed his mind,” Bischoff stated. “Hulk really wanted to maintain a long-term relationship with WWE. As much as Hulk loved that script, it was edgy. There were things in that script that certain people would not be happy to see… There would have been some people that may have taken exception to it, and Hulk just didn’t want to take the risk. He didn’t see the upside in doing the movie to be worth the risk of putting himself into an off-balance relationship with WWE.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit 83 Weeks with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
