Summary:
- Actor-comedian Paul Walter Hauser is cast in an undisclosed role in the upcoming The Fantastic Four movie, joining the likes of Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby.
- Speaking with Screen Rant, Hauser hinted at his mysterious character, calling it a “distinct” one.
- Marvel fans suspect that Hauser will play the villain Mole Man, or the robot H.E.R.B.I.E in the upcoming movie.
Golden Globe winner Paul Walter Hauser recently shared some insights about his role in the upcoming Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four. This film marks Hauser’s third Disney collaboration, following his portrayal of Horace Badun in 2021’s Cruella and his upcoming role as the emotion Embarrassment in Inside Out 2.
Recently, the 37-year-old is cast in the upcoming The Fantastic Four movie in the MCU, alongside celebrities such as Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ralph Ineson. However, unlike the others, Hauser’s role in the movie is still shrouded in mystery. The actor did give us a hint, though.
In a conversation with Screen Rant, Hauser kept details close to the vest but confirmed that his character is indeed rooted in The Fantastic Four comics.
“I can’t say anything about the character I’m playing, but know that it is in the sort of lexicon and mythology of The Fantastic Four stories. And it’s a very distinct character that I’m excited to play, and I’m kind of mapping out what I’m doing with that right now,” shared an excited Hauser.
This has led to fan speculation about his role, with guesses ranging from the team’s iconic robot H.E.R.B.I.E., hinted at in the first official poster, to possibly portraying the villainous Mole Man, a secondary antagonist of Marvel’s First Family.
Hauser also reflected on his previous interest in playing another comic book character, the Penguin from DC: “I’ve always wanted to be a part of a cinematic universe. I spent a lot of time trying to campaign to play the Penguin in the Matt Reeves film, and that, of course, went to Colin Farrell, and he did a masterful job, and it was totally different than what I was trying to do.”
“So I really appreciate Marvel giving me the time of day and entrusting a role to me in some capacity that I get to be a part of that family. I’m really excited to partake in,” he expressed.
The Fantastic Four, directed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman and penned by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, still has much mystery yet to be unveiled. Yet, the initial promotional materials suggest a 1960s setting, which is way before the current timeline in the MCU. Therefore, there have been theories about how the MCU’s First Family could come from a different universe than Earth-616.
The cast includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. The ensemble is further bolstered by Julia Garner, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Ralph Ineson, who is set to play the main villain Galactus.
Pedro Pascal conveyed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I can tell you how excited I am, which is beyond. There isn’t anything more exciting than being in a cast like that. To be invited to a family like that is unbelievable, and we all just want to do our best and share it with the world.”
Joseph Quinn also commented on the challenges of his role, acknowledging the “big boots” he must fill following Chris Evans’ portrayal of the Human Torch in the 2005 and 2007 movie.
