Often flying under the radar, Paul Walter Hauser has demonstrated his exceptional talent across a diverse array of films and television series throughout his impressive two-decade career. With standout performances in notable titles such as Super Troopers 2, Beats, Cruella, and the upcoming Inside Out 2, Hauser’s versatility shines. His career-defining moment came with the Clint Eastwood film Richard Jewell, which showcased his remarkable acting capabilities.
In addition to his film work, Hauser has also been involved in several acclaimed television series. From his role in Kingdom to the highly popular Cobra Kai on Netflix, and the gritty Apple TV series Black Bird, his performances have consistently received praise. With an intriguing, yet undisclosed role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, he is on the verge of further expanding his already impressive portfolio.
15 Late Night (2019)
Paul Walter Hauser as Eugene Mancuso
Led by the charismatic duo of Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson, Late Night presents an engaging premise: a popular television host hires a diverse new writer to rejuvenate her show’s stagnant creative team. The film cleverly addresses issues of representation within the entertainment industry through Kaling’s character, Molly Patel, who is brought on board as one of the few women in the writer’s room. This well-crafted dramedy effectively balances humor with timely social commentary.
In a smaller yet impactful role, Paul Walter Hauser portrays Eugene Mancuso, an offbeat writer for “Tonight with Katherine Newbury,”affectionately referred to as “One”by Katherine. His charm and comedic timing add a delightful layer to the ensemble, further highlighting why Hauser is regarded as a standout talent.
14 Beats (2019)
Paul Walter Hauser as Terrence
In the poignant coming-of-age film Beats, Hauser takes on the role of Terrence, a renowned music producer. The film’s narrative centers on August Monroe, a reclusive teenage music prodigy who forges a unique bond with Romelo Reese, a struggling producer, as they navigate the music industry together. While the film may follow familiar tropes, the strong performances elevate its storytelling.
Hauser’s nuanced portrayal of Terrence emphasizes his artistic range, demonstrating his capacity to inhabit a wide variety of characters with depth and authenticity.
13 Cruella (2021)
Paul Walter Hauser as Horace Badun
Despite initial skepticism surrounding another live-action adaptation from Disney, Cruella emerged as a delightful surprise, propelled by the captivating performance of Emma Stone. The film’s creative direction, set against the backdrop of 1970s London’s punk rock scene, infuses a fresh perspective into a beloved story.
Hauser portrays Horace Badun—a resourceful thief and henchman who shares a close relationship with Cruella. Drawing inspiration from iconic characters like Mr. Smee, Hauser delivers a memorable performance that adds both humor and heart to the film.
12 The Luckiest Man In America (2024)
Paul Walter Hauser as Michael Larson
The Luckiest Man in America chronicles the infamous 1984 Press Your Luck scandal, following contestant Michael Larson’s ingenious scheme. Hauser embodies Larson in a gripping drama that balances historical authenticity with thrilling storytelling. Supported by a strong cast, Hauser’s portrayal captures the complexities and urgency of Larson’s character, revealing the corrosion of his moral compass.
11 The Afterparty (2023)
Paul Walter Hauser as Travis Gladrise
The comedic anthology series The Afterparty takes a unique approach to storytelling, with each episode delving into various characters’ perspectives during a high school reunion after-party. Hauser joins the cast in the second season, portraying Travis Gladrise, an amateur sleuth and the ex-boyfriend of Grace Zhu.
With a delivery that channels crime noir themes, Hauser stands out amidst a talented ensemble, highlighting his ability to balance humor and intensity effectively.
10 Kingdom (2014-2017)
Paul Walter Hauser as Keith
Kingdom is a gripping drama led by Frank Grillo as Alvey Kulina, a retired MMA fighter navigating the complexities of family dynamics and the fight world. Hauser plays Keith, a former halfway house mate whose emotional complexity adds depth to the series. Despite not being a central character, Hauser masterfully captures Keith’s turbulent nature, making his storyline uniquely compelling.
9 Americana (2025)
Paul Walter Hauser as Lefty Ledbetter
In the upcoming Western dramedy Americana, Hauser stars alongside Sidney Sweeney as Lefty Ledbetter, a quirky character with grand plans and a flair for romance. The narrative revolves around the chaos that ensues in a small South Dakota town triggered by a rare artifact’s appearance on the black market. Hauser’s comedic chemistry with Sweeney shines, creating engaging dynamics throughout the story.
8 Cobra Kai (2019-2025)
Paul Walter Hauser as Raymond “Stingray”Porter
Transitioning from its roots as a YouTube Red series to a Netflix sensation, Cobra Kai has captivated audiences with its heartfelt narrative. Central to this dynamic world is Hauser’s portrayal of Raymond “Stingray”Porter, a character who personifies immaturity yet offers comedic relief as he seeks acceptance in the martial arts community.
Hauser excels at balancing humor with moments of introspection, enriching the character’s development and adding layers to the overall narrative.
7 I, Tonya (2017)
Paul Walter Hauser as Shawn Eckhardt
I, Tonya provides an intriguing glimpse into the life of figure skater Tonya Harding, highlighted by a strong performance from Margot Robbie. Hauser appears as Shawn Eckhardt, Tonya’s bodyguard, capturing the essence of a character whose misguided loyalties lead to misguided actions. His chemistry with co-star Sebastian Stan adds to the film’s tension as their characters navigate a turbulent storyline.
6 Inside Out 2 (2024)
Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment
Following the legacy of its predecessor, Inside Out 2 skillfully expands on the emotional landscape of its characters as Riley begins high school. Hauser voices a new emotion, Embarrassment, providing a unique contribution to the ensemble of characters that represent Riley’s internal conflicts. Though limited in dialogue, his vocal performance adeptly conveys the nuances of embarrassment, lending texture to the film.
5 Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm (2022)
Paul Walter Hauser as Elmer
In the animated sequel Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, based on the cult classic series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Hauser assumes the role of Elmer, the film’s main antagonist. The film stays true to its comedic roots, with Hauser’s portrayal of Elmer adding both humor and intrigue as the character undergoes a transformation into a giant plant monster. His performance captures the essence of socially awkward personalities with unsettling undertones.
4 Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Paul Walter Hauser as Simon
Da 5 Bloods, directed by Spike Lee, follows four Vietnam veterans as they return to the country decades later. In a smaller yet impactful role, Hauser portrays Simon, a volunteer supporting efforts to clear mines from the land. His limited screen time is used effectively, showcasing Hauser’s ability to inject complexity into his character even in brief appearances.
3 BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Paul Walter Hauser as Ivanhoe
BlacKkKlansman presents a powerful narrative of the first African American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department as he infiltrates the local KKK chapter. Hauser plays Ivanhoe, a hilariously inept antagonist whose misguided actions lead to darkly humorous consequences. His portrayal emphasizes both the absurdity and sinister undertones of the character, creating memorable moments that resonate with audiences.
2 Richard Jewell (2019)
Paul Walter Hauser as Richard Jewell
In Richard Jewell, Hauser takes on the titular role in an exploration of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing. This legal drama scrutinizes media sensationalism and its impact on individual lives, focusing on Jewell’s tragic story. Hauser’s depiction of Jewell remains one of his finest performances, marking a significant milestone in his career as he authentically conveys the character’s plight and resilience against public scrutiny.
1 Black Bird (2022)
Paul Walter Hauser as Larry Hall
Based on real events, Black Bird tells the harrowing story of a former football player who must befriend a suspected serial killer in order to secure a confession. Hauser shines in his portrayal of Larry Hall, showcasing his range in a morally complex role. The series offers a gripping look at the American prison system, and Hauser’s performance is pivotal, resulting in prestigious award nominations that affirm his stature as a gifted actor.