“I appreciate his enthusiasm”: Paul Walter Hauser’s Preparation For His ‘Fantastic Four’ Role is a Huge Green Flag For the MCU Film
- Paul Walter Hauser has joined the MCU's 'The Fantastic Four' in an undisclosed role, and his preparation has caught fans' attention.
- Hauser is diving deep into comics to understand the story's context and ensure his portrayal is well-rounded and impactful.
- Hauser was hesitant to join the MCU due to past failures of the adaptation, but was convinced by the screenplay, cast, and crew.
The ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe is now bringing Marvel’s first family to the screen. After many previous adaptations, The Fantastic Four will finally make their debut in the MCU, and among the star-studded cast, one noteworthy name is Paul Walter Hauser.
Known for his versatile acting, Hauser will also be joining the MCU in an undisclosed role. However, apart from his casting, his approach to preparing for the role has caught the attention of many fans.
Paul Walter Hauser’s Comic Book Approach for His The Fantastic Four Role
Although not much is known about Hauser’s character in the movie, his dedication to the project seems top-notch. He is not just acting out what is told in the script on the set, he is exploring the depth of Marvel.
Paul Walter Hauser is not new to the acting game. He is known for movies and shows like I, Tonya; Richard Jewell; and Cobra Kai. But now he is stepping into the superhero world, and he is not taking it lightly.
During an interview with Variety, Hauser revealed his pre-production preparation. He is not only reading the script but also the comics. He said,
It’s so fun, man. I didn’t really read “Fantastic Four” when I was a kid. I was very Batman-centric. But reading the “Fantastic Four” comics has been a blast. I love it.
Although reading comics might not be something extra special for an actor, what makes his preparation a bit different is that he is not just focused on his own character. He is looking at the big picture. He said in the interview,
Pre-production for me has been reading comic books and reading the screenplay. A lot of it is assessing where I fit into that story and how to best utilize my time in it. You don’t want to make choices or do things that are redundant in a film. It’s important to know what the film is and what everyone’s jobs are so that you’re bringing your own unique take to something.
Hauser’s wider approach could be a green flag for the movie as well as for fans. Netizens took to social media to appreciate his efforts and express their enthusiasm.
I appreciate his enthusiasm of what role he’s gonna be playing in Fantastic Four and doing his research when reading the comics. 👍
— q_l – 335 (@ql3351) July 13, 2024
oh he’s gotta be my boy HERBIE https://t.co/3xT5PYwROf
— izzy (@616TORCHED) July 12, 2024
Wao it's very intresting
— Rizwan Janjua (@janjua_riz9938) July 12, 2024
Apart from this role, Hauser also has several other projects in the pipeline. According to IMDb, he will be playing Chris Farley in a biopic and Mike Batlan in Bruce Springsteen film Deliver Me From Nowhere and many more. However, at the moment, his focus is on Marvel. Since the actor goes all out in any role he portrays, fans can expect Hauser to bring his A-game to the MCU.
Paul Walter Hauser Did Not Want to Join The Fantastic Four Cast
The Fantastic Four might be a game-changer for the MCU. Also, the set-up of the 1960s opens up different possibilities. Nevertheless, it was not an easy choice for Hauser to join the team.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Hauser admitted he was hesitant at first because of the upsetting performances of some of the previous adaptations of the superhero team. However, he further revealed what convinced him of the role.
I really do think the combination of the screenplay, and the department heads that are working on the film, and that classy cast of really exciting actors – some of them known for a long time, and some of them having a moment right now – [make me feel that] this movie is special, and it was something I wanted to be a part of.
Speaking of that cast, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will be playing The Fantastic Four. Julia Garner is joining as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson will play Galactus.
The plot of the movie is still undisclosed, but it won’t be an origin story. That will be different from the usual superhero movie formula. Matt Shakman is directing the movie and the script is written by Josh Friedman. With such a cast and crew, fans have definitely set their expectations high.
The Fantastic Four will be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.
