Sunday, February 24, 2019

NETFLIX TO AIR HULK HOGAN BIOPIC

Image result for hulk hogan WWF CHAMPION
HULK HOGAN IN 1984

Hulkamania is about to run wild on Netflix. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix is closing a deal to air a biographical movie about the legendary wrestler starring Chris Hemsworth (THOR, AVENGERS, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR). This news comes right after the cancellation of Marvel shows like Daredevil, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. Netflix can use this Hulk Hogan movie to distance themselves from other streaming services as well as cable TV.


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CHRIS HEMSWORTH AS THOR

The movie reportedly is going to focus on the origins of Hulk Hogan, (real name Terry Bollea) in wrestling from his early beginnings to his meteoric rise in the WWE. Hogan began wrestling in 1977 in Florida, and from 1977 to 1979, he bounced around different territories in the southeast including Alabama, Memphis, and Georgia. By 1979, Hulk Hogan entered the WWE (then known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation) as a villain. From 1979 to 1980 Hogan was a villain and he feuded with Andre The Giant and he had a World title match with Bob Backlund. In 1980, Hogan left the WWE after a dispute with Vince McMahon Sr. over his role in Rocky III.

After filming his role in Rocky III, Hogan entered the AWA (American Wrestling Association) in 1981. He quickly became a fan favorite feuding with Bobby Heenan and The Heenan Family which included Ken Patera, Mr. Saito, and the AWA World Champion, Nick Bockwinkel. Hogan was the biggest star of the AWA and Vince McMahon took notice making him an offer to come to the WWE.

In December of 1983, The Hulkster entered the WWE and beat the Iron Shiek in January of 1984 to become the WWE Champion changing pro wrestling in the process. His feuds in the 80's with stars like Rowdy Roddy Piper, King Kong Bundy, Andre The Giant and Macho Man Randy Savage made  WWE a national brand and Hulk Hogan a superstar.

Netflix is very smart to use Hulk Hogan's brand identity to help elevate their streaming network. It will be interesting to see what other actors are chosen to play other roles. As a fan of wrestling and Hulk Hogan, I'll be very interested in this movie.

Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR

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