The infamous court case between Hulk Hogan and Gawker Media is reportedly in the process of being adapted into a movie. According to sources, director Gus Van Sant is currently in early negotiations to helm the project titled Killing Gawker. The film is said to be produced by Artists Equity, which was co-founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. However, it is important to note that Damon and Affleck are not set to star in the movie at this time.
Based on a script by Charles Randolph, Killing Gawker is inspired by the book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker and the Anatomy of Intrigue written by Ryan Holiday. The book delves into the details of the groundbreaking court case that took place in 2016, resulting in a $140 million judgment in favor of Hogan against Gawker Media, its founder Nick Denton, and one of its editors. Following this ruling, Gawker was forced to cease its operations. However, in 2021 the website was relaunched under new ownership by Bustle Digital Group after it was acquired by Bryan Goldberg in a bankruptcy auction for $1.35 million.
If the deal with Gus Van Sant is finalized, it would mark a reunion between the director and Affleck and Damon. The duo’s careers were jumpstarted after working with Van Sant on the critically acclaimed film Good Will Hunting, which earned them an Oscar for Original Screenplay. It is yet to be seen how the team will bring the compelling story of the Hulk Hogan vs Gawker court case to life on the silver screen.
Overall, the journey from the courtroom to the movie set is a testament to the enduring impact of the legal battle on popular culture. The upcoming film Killing Gawker has the potential to shine a spotlight on issues surrounding privacy, media ethics, and the power dynamics between celebrities and the press. Through the lens of entertainment, the audience may gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in such high-profile cases.