It's been a few years since we first learned of Joker director Todd Phillips' plans for a Hulk Hogan biopic starring Chris Hemsworth. Now, the actor - best known for playing the MCU's Thor - has shared a disappointing update on the project while discussing his Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga role.
While very little was ever revealed about the movie (including how much involvement WWE might have), Hemsworth playing the Hulkster quickly earned the approval of pro wrestling fans.
Unfortunately, it seems work has stalled.
"To work with Todd Phillips, who we discussed making that film with, would be an honor and a fantastic opportunity," the actor explained. "I can't say it's officially happening yet. If there was a green light, I'd get to work on it."
"But it's interesting. Dementus' vocal quality was something I could invent and it would be surprising to people, but there wouldn't be any judgment or comparison. It's a tricky thing to play a real-life character. I've done it once before, and people immediately have the measuring stick out and the critiques and so on."
Hemsworth added, "It'd be nerve-wracking, but if there's a great script and a story to tell, I'd love to jump into it. But there's nothing official at this point."
There are bound to be a lot of hoops to jump through with a movie like this and Hemsworth is likely to have a packed few years with Extraction 3, new Avengers movie, and Thor 5 all somewhere on the horizon.
The biopic sounded like a passion project for Hemsworth because, in 2020, he described it as "a really fun" prospect. Later, he'd add, "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," the actor continued "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."
"I'm going to be blonde, probably balding and with a 'tache..."
It's going to be a real shame if this one falls apart because there's definitely an interesting story to be told. Hogan remains a relatively controversial character (and one who is often described as something of a stranger to the truth), but if the movie were made in the same vein as The Iron Claw, it could be a fascinating glimpse into the rise of "Hulkamania" and the creation of a Superstar.
Stay tuned for updates.