A thrilling glimpse of Paul Walter Hauser in The Fantastic Four: First Steps has surfaced, just ahead of his anticipated debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As the Multiverse Saga gears up to explode into Phase 6 this summer, fans are eager for a fresh experience. This film marks the beginning of Phase 6 in the MCU timeline.
In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the cast will face off against Galactus, the film’s central antagonist, while also delving into other enemies that this iconic team has encountered on their alternative Earth within the vast MCU multiverse. With the film set to hit theaters next week, new visuals have unveiled yet another classic Fantastic Four adversary making his MCU debut.
USA Today has previewed the first official look at Hauser portraying Harvey Elder, also known as the Mole Man, showcasing him alongside several underground workers. This fresh take on the character promises to add depth to the story.
Hauser and director Matt Shakman recently shed light on their interpretation of Mole Man, redefining him as a “union boss” rather than a typical villain. As described by USA Today, the conflict between Mole Man and the Fantastic Four holds a distinct “political” </em;nature, with Hauser and Shakman sharing insights about their character dynamics:
Matt Shakman: “[The MCU’s Harvey Elder is] really more of a union boss than a supervillain. He’s all about community, and that’s why Sue and Harvey have a good relationship and they get along. They understand each other.”
Paul Walter Hauser: “[The comic version is] vicious and heinous and unrelenting. He is living sort of in the shadows like a villain would, but he’s also taking care of an entire race of people and trying to live his life without being bothered. It’s a power struggle, but within that, there are compromises and alliances made.”
What Paul Walter Hauser’s Marvel Role Means
Hauser’s portrayal of Mole Man is significant, particularly since the character is making his live-action debut. This choice by Marvel Studios highlights their commitment to weaving the larger mythology of the Fantastic Four into the MCU. Furthermore, Mole Man is explored in the film’s prequel comic, which indicates his role could be pivotal, even with Galactus taking center stage.
Both Shakman and Hauser’s remarks suggest a modernized approach to Mole Man, who has long been a part of Marvel’s First Family as one of their oldest foes. Observing how this political tension unfolds between him and the Fantastic Four will surely captivate audiences.
Our Take On Paul Walter Hauser’s Marvel Role
With Hauser’s Mole Man revealed, moviegoers are buzzing with anticipation over how he will be depicted compared to his comic book origins. The more pressing inquiry revolves around the potential inclusion of other villains from the team’s extensive rogues gallery, especially after John Malkovich’s character was axed from the final cut of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
As whispers and visuals around The Fantastic Four: First Steps continue to emerge, it’s shaping up to be a standout Marvel Studios release for 2025. Audiences will soon discover more about Hauser’s Mole Man when The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters next week.
Source: USA Today