The highly-publicized court case between Hulk Hogan and Gawker seems to be making its way to the big screen. According to sources, Gus Van Sant is currently in early discussions to direct a film titled “Killing Gawker.” Artists Equity, co-founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, is set to produce the movie. However, it is important to note that Damon and Affleck are not attached to star in the film at this time.
The movie is based on a script 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 groundbreaking 2016 court case where Hulk Hogan emerged victorious with a $140 million judgment against Gawker Media, its founder Nick Denton, and one of its editors. This legal battle ultimately led to Gawker shutting down its operations.
Despite the setback, Gawker made a comeback in 2021 under the ownership of Bustle Digital Group. The website was purchased by founder and CEO Bryan Goldberg for $1.35 million in a bankruptcy auction held in 2018. The revival of Gawker marked a new chapter in its tumultuous history.
If Gus Van Sant finalizes the deal to direct “Killing Gawker,” it would bring him back together with Affleck and Damon. The trio previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed film “Good Will Hunting,” which earned Damon and Affleck an Oscar for Original Screenplay. The potential reunion of these talented individuals has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
The adaptation of the Hulk Hogan vs Gawker court case into a movie continues to generate buzz in the entertainment industry. With Gus Van Sant at the helm and Artists Equity on board as producers, “Killing Gawker” promises to be a captivating portrayal of a legal battle that made headlines around the world. Stay tuned for further updates on this intriguing project.