Why Hulk Hogan Pulled The Plug On His Own Netflix Biopic

Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, and the pro wrestling world remembered the legend in a big way. At the time, rumors of his biopic were still swirling, as there was a hope that the Chris Hemsworth film may have some hope in getting produced after reports of it being axed surfaced.

At the time of his passing, Netflix was actually filming a Hulk Hogan bio series. That didn’t change the fact that the Hemsworth biopic wasn’t happening, but it was nixed for a good reason.

During 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff expanded on why Hulk Hogan’s biographical film was cancelled. It seems that WWE had a lot more to do with the situation than some may have thought.

Bischoff shared the definitive behind-the-scenes story of why the long-awaited Hulk Hogan biopic—once set to star Chris Hemsworth and directed by Joker filmmaker Todd Phillips—was ultimately scrapped.

Originally announced in 2019, the project had major studio backing, a script penned by Joker co-writer Scott Silver, and top-tier talent attached. Bischoff, who served as a producer, said that momentum was strong before unforeseen setbacks derailed the film.

“Scott Silver wrote the script. Took about a year and a half. 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.”

Although things were rolling for the Hulk Hogan movie, production never started. As Bischoff explained, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entire film industry to a halt.

“COVID hits, shuts down the film industry worldwide… that put everything behind two years.”

The delay caused by COVID meant significant logistical issues with Netflix, because they have a tight operating scheduled and budget, and they had all the rights for the project. According to Eric Bischoff, Netflix was closing in on the end of its two-year option on Hogan’s life rights and failed to meet the deadline 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 after the option expired, Eric Bischoff noted that the final blow for the film didn’t come from the studio or pandemic, but from Hulk Hogan himself was the final leg drop on his own biopic.

“Hulk changed his mind. 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.”

We will have to see what is in store for Hulk Hogan’s legacy, because the two-time WWE Hall of Famer’s name is certain to be included on many famous death lists at the end of 2025. Only time will tell if we finally see a biopic or something else to document the man who changed pro wrestling and pop culture forever, in many different ways.