Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have officially stepped away from the planned Hulk Hogan biopic, a decision made well before the wrestling legend’s recent passing. According to TMZ, the cancellation was initiated by Affleck and Damon’s production company, Artist Equity, several months ago, and the timing of the announcement shortly after Hogan’s death is purely coincidental.
The intended film was set to cover one of the most contentious periods in Hogan’s life—the 2012 sex tape scandal involving a wrestler and his friend’s wife. The scandal, prominently publicized after Gawker Media leaked the footage, led to a significant legal battle that included accusations of racial slurs, severely damaging Hogan’s reputation. Notably, Hogan was not involved in the project and reportedly opposed its development, with sources close to him indicating he would take legal action if the portrayal crossed certain boundaries.
While Hogan stayed distant from the film, Bubba the Love Sponge, whose wife was central to the scandal, had shown interest in participating. The movie aimed to delve into the complicated legal and personal repercussions of the incident, including Hogan’s eventual legal triumph. Although the cancellation halts this particular project, it might open opportunities for other filmmakers to tell Hogan’s story, despite the anticipated legal and moral difficulties.
Hulk Hogan passed away last week in a Florida hospital after paramedics responded to his residence.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans as it highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the sport’s biggest stars and their legacies. The halted biopic underscores the challenges in balancing storytelling with respect and legality, reminding us how complex the real lives behind wrestling personas can be.
