With the MCU’s ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ set to launch Phase 6, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Between high-profile castings, the reintroduction of Marvel’s “First Family,” and Galactus, the film already has no shortage of big names and epic stakes.
However, this week, excitement surged anew with the first official image of Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder, a.k.a. Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain making his live-action debut. Hauser’s casting had sparked speculation for months. But the reveal finally gave fans a clear look at what the MCU version of Mole Man will bring to the table.
Paul Walter Hauser’s Mole Man Is A Villain Reimagined For The MCU
Historically, Mole Man has been portrayed in the comics as a bitter, vengeful villain cast out by society, living underground and commanding monsters. However, director Matt Shakman’s MCU version seems to take a different path. Speaking to USA Today, Shakman explained that Hauser’s Harvey Elder is “really more of a union boss than a supervillain.”
Related: How Sue Storm Is Reclaiming The Fantastic Four’s Legacy In Comics And The MCU
That distinction is subtle but powerful. In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, Elder isn’t just scheming for world domination. He’s leading an underground society and fighting justice, at least from his point of view. This shift transforms the traditional good vs. evil narrative into something more nuanced. Hauser adds to this vision, saying Mole Man is “living sort of in the shadows like a villain would“.
“He is also taking care of an entire race of people and trying to live his life without being bothered.” That duality adds a unique tension to the story, especially as the Fantastic Four encounter Elder not just as an enemy, but perhaps as a misunderstood ally. There’s also an intriguing note about his dynamic with Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm. According to Shakman, Sue and Harvey share mutual respect.
Both of them are leaders trying to protect their communities, even if they don’t always agree on the methods. As one of the very first villains the Fantastic Four faced in their 1961 debut, Mole Man has long deserved a deeper cinematic treatment. Additionally, his inclusion in the film signals that his arc will matter, even if Galactus remains the main threat.
Natasha Lyonne Calls ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ “Extraordinary”
While Paul Walter Hauser’s role is now public, another major name in the Fantastic Four cast remains cloaked in mystery: Natasha Lyonne. Lyonne has officially confirmed her involvement in ‘First Steps’. However, her character remains tightly under wraps. In a recent ScreenRant interview, she was asked directly about who she’s playing in the MCU, and she dodged the question with grace.
In case you missed it: Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Comic Confirms MCU Origin And Villain Reveal
“I guess so! I’m just trying to kind of honor the ways of the Marvel,” she said, referencing Marvel Studios’ famous secrecy. But it’s what she said next that lit up fans: “I’m very excited about it, and the movie is extraordinary. I think people are going to love it, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.” Her praise hints that ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is something special.
As for who she might be playing? The speculation is wild. Some believe she could be Alicia Masters, the blind sculptor and love interest of Ben Grimm/The Thing. Others wonder if she’s voicing a CGI-heavy alien or a multiverse variant of a known hero. Regardless of her role, Lyonne’s involvement, combined with Hauser’s Mole Man, paints a picture of a film that’s not afraid to take creative risks.
