The Karate Kidfans knowPaul Walter Hauserfor his portrayal of the annoying but lovable Stingray in the Netflix seriesCobra Kai. However, the character actor will be swapping out his martial arts Gi when he plays an as of yet unrevealed role in theMCU’supcomingFantastic Fourmovie, which stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, plus Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm and her alter ego, the Invisible Woman. But before inking any contracts, Hauser pondered the fact that the previous big-screen adaptations of theFantastic Fourfailed. Hauser said in an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter:
“Don’t think that didn’t weigh in as I was deciding whether or not to take the job.That movie has not fully been nailed just yet.But 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 —this movie is special. And it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Fantastic Four
Fantastic Fourdirector Matt Shakman and Hauser formerly collaborated together on the Season 6 episode ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, titled “Dee Reynolds: Shaping America’s Youth.” And Hauser thinks “it’s really exciting” teaming up with Shakman all these years later in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hauser revealed in the same conversation:
“Matt Shakman directed me years ago in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.To come back together and collaborate on this movie in some capacity,it’s really exciting. I’m excited to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Check out how the previous Silver Screen adaptations of theFantastic Fourfared at the worldwide box office along with their respective CinemaScores and Tomatometer ratings below:
Cobra Kai Fans Will Bid ‘Farewell’ to Stingray in Season 6
Paul Walter Hauser is all set to show up in the MCU’sFantastic Fourfilm, and the actor will also return to the dojo one last time in the final season ofCobra Kaias Stingray. Netflix announced that Season 6 ofCobra Kaiwill be split into three different five-episode installments,which begin when Part I drops on July 18. Hauser isn’t saying which of the 15 episodes he will appear in, but the actor does assure the fans that they “will get a farewell for Stingray.” Hauser said in an interview withTV Insider:
“I recently was plucked by Marvel for a role in their latest Fantastic Four.Before that, I had never gotten a call from a DC or Marvel to be part of a universe. Nobody was knocking on my door to be in a Ninja Turtles movie.To be part of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai lore does mean a lot to me.As far as the final season goes, you will definitely see Stingray appear.I won’t say when or how, but you will get a farewell for Stingray.”
Best Paul Walter Hauser Performances, Ranked
Paul Walter Hauser loves playing characters, so we’ve broken down which performances are his best.
In addition to the MCU’sFantastic Fourand theCobra Kaiseries,Hauser has been busy withOrion and the Dark,not to mention the upcomingNaked Gunfilm, which is led by none other than Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. The famed Frank Drebin, of course, was originally portrayed by the late Leslie Nielsen. Nielsen brought the bumbling detective to life on both television and in threeNaked Gunfeature films.
Fantastic Fourdrops in movie theaters on July 10, 2025.
