Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to tackle Hulk Hogan's Gawker battle in new film

Artists Equity, the production company founded by acclaimed actors and longtime collaborators Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, is set to delve into the dramatic real-life story of Hulk Hogan's monumental legal battle against Gawker Media. The film, aptly titled "Killing Gawker," promises to be a gripping exploration of the events that led to the downfall of the controversial media outlet.

Based on Ryan Holiday's 2018 nonfiction book, "Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue," the movie will delve into the complex web of personalities and motivations that fueled the high-stakes legal clash. The story revolves around Hulk Hogan's (real name Terry Bollea) lawsuit against Gawker for publishing excerpts of a sex tape featuring the wrestler. The lawsuit, backed financially by billionaire tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, ultimately led to Gawker Media's bankruptcy and subsequent shutdown in 2016.
 

Oscar-winning screenwriter Charles Randolph, known for his work on "The Big Short," has been tapped to adapt Holiday's book into a screenplay, ensuring a nuanced and insightful portrayal of the events. Gus Van Sant, the director behind critically acclaimed films like "Good Will Hunting" and "Milk," is reportedly in talks to helm the project, bringing his unique vision and directorial prowess to the table.

Adding to the anticipation surrounding the film is the possibility of Ben Affleck taking on the role of Hulk Hogan. While casting decisions are yet to be finalized, Affleck's potential involvement has generated significant buzz and speculation among fans and industry insiders alike.

The "Killing Gawker" project marks another exciting collaboration between Affleck and Damon, who previously teamed up for the successful Amazon biographical film "Air." This latest venture promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of power, privacy, and the clash between media and celebrity in the digital age.