Hulk Hogan’s Killing Gawker Biopic Lands Oscar-Nominated Director

One big thing

Gus Van Sant, the Oscar-nominated director of “Good Will Hunting,” will helm “Killing Gawker,” the upcoming biopic about Hulk Hogan’s legal battle with Gawker Media.

Why it matters

This high-profile project brings together A-list talent to tell a story that shook both the wrestling and media worlds, potentially reshaping how fans view Hogan’s controversial legacy.

The details

• Ben Affleck will star as Hulk Hogan
• Matt Damon will portray Peter Thiel, who secretly funded Hogan’s lawsuit
• The script is based on the book “Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue”
• Charles Randolph, an Oscar winner for “The Big Short,” penned the screenplay

Background

• In 2013, Hogan sued Gawker for publishing excerpts of a private tape
• The tape also revealed racist comments by Hogan, leading WWE to cut ties with him
• After a three-year legal battle, a jury awarded Hogan over $120 million in damages
• The verdict led to Gawker’s bankruptcy and eventual shutdown

By the numbers

• Van Sant’s “Good Will Hunting” earned 9 Oscar nominations, including Best Director
• The Hogan vs. Gawker trial lasted 2 weeks
• The jury deliberated for less than 6 hours before reaching a verdict

What’s next

As production gears up, wrestling fans and movie buffs alike will be watching closely to see how this complex story unfolds on the big screen.

What aspects of Hulk Hogan’s career and legal battle do you think are most important for the film to address? Share your thoughts in the comments below.