The ongoing saga of the Hulk Hogan vs Gawker court case may soon be hitting the big screen, as reports indicate that renowned director Gus Van Sant is currently in early discussions to helm a film titled Killing Gawker. The project is set to be produced by Artists Equity, with the company’s co-founders Matt Damon and Ben Affleck attached as producers, although they are not confirmed to star in the film at this time.
The screenplay for Killing Gawker is based on a script written by Charles Randolph and the book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker and the Anatomy of Intrigue by Ryan Holiday. The book delves into the details of the landmark 2016 court case, where Hulk Hogan emerged victorious with a staggering $140 million judgment against Gawker Media, its founder Nick Denton, and one of its editors. The repercussions of the ruling led to Gawker shutting down its operations shortly after.
In a surprising turn of events, Gawker made a comeback in 2021 under the ownership of Bustle Digital Group. This revival came after founder and CEO Bryan Goldberg purchased the website’s assets for $1.35 million in a 2018 bankruptcy auction, breathing new life into the once-defunct media outlet.
A Reunion in the Making
Should Gus Van Sant officially sign on to direct Killing Gawker, it would mark a reunion between him and the dynamic duo of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The trio previously worked together on the critically acclaimed film Good Will Hunting, which served as a launchpad for Damon and Affleck’s careers, ultimately earning them an Oscar for Original Screenplay.
The prospect of a movie adaptation based on the riveting Hulk Hogan vs Gawker court case is certainly an intriguing one. With a talented team of filmmakers and producers behind the project, audiences can expect a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent memory.
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