Cole Hauser Is Completely Unrecognizable in Pitch Black and Fast and Furious

Tracing a performer’s career can be a fascinating study in how they may have developed in their craft. Some of the all-time greats come from humble beginnings, and the current television landscape is full of veterans who got their start in surprising roles. Cole Hauser is a great example as the performer recently starred as Rip Wheeler in Paramount+’s Yellowstone, a series that has built momentum across its run. In that instance, Hauser raised his stock and secured himself as a potential household name.

Yellowstone is far from the only example of his fantastic contributions to the screen, though. Because while Rip Wheeler might be familiar today, Hauser also portrayed some significant characters in major blockbuster pictures. In fact, current fans of the show may not even remember his starring roles in two of Vin Diesel’s most critical franchise pieces. Hauser’s star may be on the rise again, but looking back across his filmography, it’s obvious why he has finally managed to break into that upper echelon of great character actors.

In the 2000s, Cole Hauser Starred In Pitch Black

Image via Universal Pictures

Pitch Black is arguably one of the most important science fiction films of the early 2000s. It was an attempt at a franchise that almost fell apart upon its debut. But with the star power of the rising Vin Diesel, coupled with the versatility of the universe and potential for future spinoffs, it survived just long enough to expand. Pitch Black led to the Riddick saga, which has resulted in a cult following, spinoff games, novels and repeat viewings of that original gem. It might not have taken the shape initially expected, but Pitch Black birthed a brand Diesel will forever be associated with.

Although the picture might have been a vehicle for the action lead, it became an opportunity for other up-and-coming character performers to showcase their skills. For many, there would be an opportunity to return down the line, and for Cole Hauser, that was the case. Not only did Hauser appear in Pitch Black, but he would later show up in The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, a forgotten video game that helped to expand the series. Hauser was there at the very beginning, bringing life to William J. Johns, a critical character who also appeared in Assault on Dark Athena. The figure had enough of an impact that he would play that pivotal role in another video game, which speaks highly of Hauser’s work so early in his time as an actor.

William Johns was the secondary antagonist of the film and an enemy of Riddick. As a bounty hunter, Johns was tasked with capturing the notorious fugitive, but he failed in his mission. By the end of Pitch Black, Johns was severely wounded and ripped apart by Bioraptors, ending his short feud with the protagonist. While he was depicted as an obsessive and a man driven by pain, Johns would prove to be a reliable source of conflict throughout that initial run. However, the character’s legacy led to the introduction of Boss Johns, an antagonist introduced in Riddick, highlighting the fact that audiences would recall his work in the first picture, at least enough for Universal to take advantage of the character.

Cole Hauser made the role his home and improved Pitch Black, which was entirely reliant on the charisma of its stars. When a franchise like that is attempting to introduce itself to audiences, it requires an ensemble that understands the material and is able to elevate it. Here, Hauser understood his position on the call sheet perfectly. While he may not have been the most critical character in Riddick, he nonetheless proved to be a valiant villain who performed in both action sequences and as a well-defined figure of nuance. Hauser didn’t have a lot to work with, but he made the most of the script.

Hauser Also Starred in 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious

The Fast and the Furious was the hit no one could have predicted, an opening gambit that led to a juggernaut of a franchise. Universal Pictures settled with Vin Diesel as its primary star, but as 2 Fast 2 Furious went into the works, it was evident that change was in the air. Unfortunately, Diesel opted not to return, instead putting his focus on another Riddick production for the time being. Paul Walker stepped up alongside Tyrese Gibson and Eva Mendes to get the job done, with 2 Fast 2 Furious soon becoming a much-debated entry into the series.

Hauser portrayed Carter Verone, a ruthless drug lord whose operation is being infiltrated by the protagonists. It’s another role that requires Hauser to beef up what’s on the bone, but it does present a few fantastic moments to chew scenery. It seems that Hauser absolutely excels when given that sense of freedom, and Verone comes across as both intimidating and intense when needed. Again, this was a franchise finding its feet, and a structure had to be invented for it to enjoy great longevity.

Cole Hauser was just what the movie needed, bringing the best out of the protagonists. Just like in Pitch Black, the performer highlighted his dedication to a specific role and his understanding of how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. The character was intriguing enough to be kept alive at the end of the film, and while Hauser is yet to reappear as Verone, there is always a chance that he could be brought back as the saga comes to a close. Cole Hauser again demonstrates his commitment to the role, but also his ability to find balance in his portrayal.

What’s particularly interesting about 2 Fast 2 Furious is that it is still viewed by fans as an outsider of sorts to the rest of the saga. That’s a great shame, as there is a lot to dive into here, and some of the series’ best elements were first ideated as part of this production. There’s also an argument to be made that Hauser helped to create the archetype for what a good Fast and the Furious villain might look like. He had to follow on in a sequel production, yet set the tone and style for all those yet to come. That was a difficult task, but he pulled it off with style.

Both Roles Highlight the Performer’s Evolution

Image via Paramount

This will probably never be admitted, but Hauser actually played a critical role early in Vin Diesel’s career. Not only did he help to cement Riddick as a crucial sci-fi character by acting as his foil, but he also helped to guide the Fast and the Furious franchise while Diesel took a break. In both instances, he was trusted to set the stage for what future villains in the series may look like, and he exceeded it. Perhaps Hauser’s best trait, as evidenced throughout this piece, is that he is able to complement the energy and performances of those around him, providing a fantastic catalyst to bounce off of.

Cole Hauser has also highlighted that he always had the skills to be the lead of a critical series like Pitch Black or 2 Fast 2 Furious, but has often been placed in the antagonistic role. Yellowstone, which left viewers with plenty of questions, is one of the first times that he has been given a consistent and large platform to highlight his talent and perhaps, moving forward, Hauser will be given the opportunities that he has both earned and deserves. Fast and the Furious and Riddick are not the only franchises on Cole Hauser’s resume after all, but they are perhaps some of the most prominent.

Ultimately, Cole Hauser’s career has the possibility of expanding again after his recent stint on Yellowstone, and with The Dutton Ranch and an untitled Matthew McConaughey-led Mike Hammer adaptation also to come, it’s obvious that his skills are finally being given the platform they need. Cole Hauser’s history in these big franchises may continue to be overlooked, but he has proven himself to be the critical link between some of those series’ most important moments. Cole Hauser’s legacy will likely be one of the key antagonists, who gave the boost to the heroes just as they needed it.