Exclusive: Paul Walter Hauser on how his comedy roles helped him play a serial killer in Black Bird

Black Bird, the latest addition to the true-crime genre headlined by Taron Egerton, takes on some heavy material. Created by Dennis Lehane, the show follows a convict – Jimmy Keene who finds himself in prison for selling drugs. When offered a deal by the FBI, he takes up the mission of getting a confession out of suspected serial killer Larry Hall. For Paul Walter Hauser who plays the creepy killer, the role seems unlikely. He is after all best known for comedy films like Queenpins and hits like I, Tonya and Cruella. Yet when we first meet Larry as he gets interrogated by the authorities, there’s something unmistakably sinister about him. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Paul Walter Hauser opened up about understanding a serial killer, working with Rocketman star Taron Egerton and why comedy actors do well as on-screen criminals.

Larry Hall is this really eerie serial killer. What was it about this role that made you pick it? 

It wasn’t so much about Larry that made me want to play the role. It was more about Dennis Lehane’s writing and how intelligent and thoughtful it was and the opportunity to work opposite Taron Egerton was a big deal to me. I saw Rockmetman twice and I thought he was just so good. And on the streaming platform too, I have to say I loved Ted Lasso, CODA and a lot of the things that are put out there are starting to grab attention and they’re one to watch as far as streaming wars are concerned. 

You’re best known for your comedy roles. What was it like exploring a whole new range with Black Bird? 

Yeah, it’s good to talk about because I think a lot of people talk about how comedic actors play dark roles really well and I think that has to do with the freedom to not judge oneself, you can’t be insecure and judgemental-minded while doing comedy – I suppose you can but I don’t think you do it well. Comedy is best when you’re free. If you watch Tiffany Haddish in Girls Trip, you know that she’s free in that role and exploring everything. Jim Carrey is the same way and that freedom and expression is what is needed to convincingly play a serial killer and I would like to do more serious roles in film and TV.

The show has a dark subject and it can get tricky to play a serial killer without humanising them or maybe justifying some of their actions…

There are a lot of figures in public, be it a serial killer or a politician, people that I can identify and go “I wouldn’t necessarily do what they do and I wouldn’t necessarily say what they say” but I’m also susceptible to wanting control or power or money or these desires that can be pure on the outset but can become perverted and dangerous if taken to great lengths. I think with Larry, I looked at him and said “I think I understand what it feels to be an outcast and lonesome, depressed and angry with the world. All of those attributes I think I can appreciate and connect with. So even though I don’t connect with many of the things he did, I can connect with some of the feelings that are born in those things that he did. 

You have some intense scenes with Taron Egerton. What was your experience working with him? 

My biggest takeaway from having worked with Taron Egerton is mostly to do with his work ethic. He really is a Herculean actor. He had to maintain both a mental state, a physical state and the transformations for half of a year or more. I really admire his work ethic and craftsmanship and I also like hanging out with him and being around him socially. He’s very funny and stimulating and a very caring, thoughtful guy.

Black Bird which also features Ray Liotta, Greg Kinnear, Sepideh Moafi and more is currently streaming. 

SEE ALSO: Exclusive: Taron Egerton on Black Bird and why it’s hard to come out of character