Paul Walter Hauser is giving fans an update on his highly anticipated Chris Farley biopic, revealing that he’s still waiting for the project to be officially greenlit before diving into preparation. He says the plan is to start working two to four months before shooting begins, once a start date is confirmed.
Hauser has already begun connecting with Farley’s close circle. He’s spoken with Lorne Michaels, Tim Meadows, and David Spade, who have all been “super gracious and cool” about the project. He notes that while it’s a delicate topic, there are also fond memories and funny stories that help illuminate Farley’s humor and humanity. Michaels tends to be straightforward in conversation, Spade shares more anecdotes, and Meadows—who knew Farley the longest—provided some of the most revealing reflections, including how Farley and Meadows would spend time watching arthouse films and then discuss them thoughtfully in Chicago.
At 38 years old, Hauser acknowledges he’ll only pursue the role while he remains the right age for the portrayal. He hopes the movie moves forward in the near future so he can commit fully, because waiting too long could complicate the timing of the performance.
In the meantime, Hauser is gearing up for a Ring of Honor event at Death Before Dishonor in Philadelphia, where he’ll face Q.T. Marshall. The matchup grew out of a lighthearted broadcasting segment for All Elite Wrestling, but a real-life moment—Marshall throwing a drink during a segment—added tension, especially since Hauser was nearly four years sober at the time. He’s expressed excitement about delivering a strong show and earning the respect of fellow wrestlers who regard Marshall as a “wrestler’s wrestler.” He’s been focusing on getting back into peak shape after suffering four acute rib fractures and a hematoma earlier this year, taking the summer off to heal before returning to the ring.
During the interview, Hauser also recalled bringing his Golden Globe for Black Bird into a past wrestling moment, a nod to the crossovers between his acting career and his in-ring persona. He admitted he’d consider bringing an Oscar into the ring for a similar gag if the occasion ever arose—though he noted it would likely spark both Hollywood and wrestling press debates.
The PHI-based Death Before Dishonor event starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, with the Fight Without Honor broadcast on ROH’s WatchROH.com. In the meantime, Hauser can be seen in theaters in Americana, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and The Naked Gun, as he keeps his calendar busy between screen and ring.
Summary: Hauser is advancing in two parallel tracks—advocating for an authentic Farley biopic through conversations with Farley’s friends and planning a timely performance in the wrestling world—while staying active with multiple film projects. The piece underscores his commitment to both roles and his belief that careful preparation, collaboration, and shared memories will shape a respectful, engaging portrayal of Chris Farley.
Optional commentary: The dual focus on a film biopic and a high-profile wrestling appearance highlights Hauser’s versatility and his respect for the legacies he’s portraying. If the Farley project proceeds, combining input from Farley’s inner circle with Hauser’s own craft could yield a nuanced, heartfelt portrayal that resonates with longtime fans and new audiences alike. Positive outlook: the story demonstrates resilience, collaboration, and creative risk-taking across entertainment disciplines.