Several years ago, wrestler Hulk Hogan said he wanted Australian actor and “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth to play him if they ever did a biopic.
Early last year his wish came true with Hemsworth signing on for the role in “Joker” director Todd Phillips and writer Scott Silver re-teaming for the film to be co-written with John Pollono (“Stronger”).
Hogan was a fixture on TV sets in 1980s America as part of the World Wrestling Federation who subsequently turned his championships-winning leg drops and star power into films and television efforts, endorsements and video games.
His fortunes dwindled as time went on and personal conflicts overtook his career – including a famous sex tape scandal and a years-long lawsuit that precipitated the end of famed online gossip site Gawker.
Speaking with Total Film recently, Hemsworth says he can’t wait to tackle this production:
“This movie is going to be a really fun project. As you can imagine, the preparation for the role will be insanely physical. I will have to put on more size than I ever have before, even more than I put on for Thor. There is the accent as well as the physicality and the attitude. I will also have to do a deep dive into the rabbit hole of the wrestling world, which I’m really looking forward to doing.
Look, I haven’t read a script yet. I know it’s being written now and worked on. I know very little about that. It’s sort of in the process now. I’m just fascinated by that world, and I think they’re pretty keen to show a side of the world that people haven’t seen before. I’m as intrigued as you are.”
Hemsworth also notes that he’ll have to die his hair blonde, strategically shave to match Hogan’s male pattern baldness, and add a moustache in order to complete the trademark look. The as-yet-untitled movie will follow Hogan’s rise through the ranks during the 1980s and the explosion of ‘Hulkamania’.
Netflix holds exclusive rights to the movie’s release. Hemsworth has “Thor: Love and Thunder” on his dance card along with a potential “Extraction” sequel and the male stripper movie “Down Under Cover”.
