India, July 25 -- The death of Hulk Hogan, wrestling legend and pop culture icon, sent shockwaves beyond just the professional wrestling world. In the 80s and 90s, the towering blonde beefcake was one of the most popular people on the planet, instrumental in transforming wrestling from a niche pastime to a billion-dollar global industry. His presence was felt in cinema, too, from Rocky III to many others. And just years before his death, his roller-coaster of a life almost made it to the silver screen itself. But in the end, it was not to be.

In 2019, filmmaker Todd Phillips of Joker fame announced the biopic of Hulk Hogan. Chris Hemsworth, best known as Marvel Cinematic Universe's Thor, was cast to play the American wrestler. There were...