Movies News Talk

Cole Hauser's 'Paparazzi' Movie Flop: From Action Star to Yellowstone's Rip

Cole Hauser is a familiar name to most! The famous star who brings to life Rip Wheeler in the popular series Yellowstone, has had his share of major projects. And recently took a break from Yellowstone to add a movie that he helped create! You won't believe it, but the film took him right into Hollywood's most famous figures: a movie centered around paparazzi. But the world of "Paparazzi" may not have gone so well for this big-name star. It was released in 2004. What could go wrong?

Paparazzi's Cast & More

The story might not have gone so well, but we have to consider just how exciting this film was with the cast! A movie that includes stars like Chris Rock and Matthew McConaughey, as well as Vince Vaughn and producer, Mel Gibson. Those big-name stars weren't just thrown in, they even got their own scenes with Hauser.

As Hauser's character Bo Laramie appeared at movie premieres for a big budget film, it had to have the action elements right?!

  • He even has his own Hollywood movie in the film. "Adrenaline Force 2,", a funny jab at the Lethal Weapon series with Mel Gibson, who is one of the producers!

How Did Paparazzi Do?

Yellowstone universe Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner and Tim McGraw Image

Even though "Paparazzi" is full of so many great faces, the story seems to get lost a bit.

  • This action-packed thriller got some bad reviews
  • And even worse, Hauser seemed to take a step backward after a few successful movie roles

In a time when Hauser was making it big on the screen, and starring in some cool movies including, "Pitch Black with Vin Diesel! As a lead in a couple of iconic war and action movies like "Tears of the Sun, and "2 Fast 2 Furious," It looks like things really turned sour for the next major release in his career, though!

How Did the Film Go Down with Critics?

Cole Hauser as Bo in Matthew McConaughe Image

While "Paparazzi" was supposed to have a major impact on audiences, its biggest issue seems to be its attempt to be a thriller.

  • With a super thin story, it was really left up to the actors, to make the whole movie something that made sense! The audience liked Hauser, and thought he was a cool star, but ultimately they felt it just didn't live up to their expectations for a thrilling, intense, and awesome story. It wasn't a movie with a lot of style and no sense of depth to really appreciate.

  • The box office numbers even reflected what the critics had said about the film, which earned about $16 Million!
  • The movie was reportedly set to earn $20 Million.

These were the true measures of how the critics were viewing the film and how fans received it.

While there may not have been much success with this one. Hauser's role in "Yellowstone" was one of his most powerful and he was given an opportunity for audiences to fully see him shine.

Yellowstone's Rip

Cole Hauser as Bo in therapy in Paparazzi Image

While Hauser did some amazing acting, and was featured in a few projects, this truly became his big breakout. It really did transform Hauser as he took on this Yellowstone role in a memorable and heart-wrenching way!

  • Hauser has become such a central figure. For sure, many were disappointed, when Kevin Costner departed from the series Yellowstone. But when you consider "Rip Wheeler," we have one of those tough, strong characters who never let his true personality be seen in all of these trials that come his way, the one that's fully dedicated to his "adopted" family.
  • It wasn't long before these strong qualities took a powerful turn for "Rip.
  • In fact, some movie lovers felt Hauser's real, true talent appeared as he was able to play a world-weary character who was deeply connected to "John Dutton.". In fact, if those paparazzi from "Paparazzi" ever dared to come near the ranch. You can imagine they wouldn't walk away too quickly!

Even though "Paparazzi" failed to launch Hauser into a big, successful career as a star in action films, and maybe it would have gotten him to do those other projects that became well known, his experience was truly a gift!

Hauser still showed up in some of the biggest films and even after he became more well known through the TV series. It allowed him to find a perfect balance. He made his appearance in "The Break Up" and had roles in "Olympus Has Fallen," not to mention being the leading star of the gritty show "Rogue." He got a real sense of appreciation in all the hard work that goes into acting, and "Paparazzi," was part of that evolution and also helped give him perspective of the wild world of acting and celebrity, so when you get a glimpse into what happens as someone makes the decision to take that turn and become a film producer or when paparazzi get too involved in people's personal lives!

Hauser is still hard at work and looks like his skills as an actor have blossomed. All the while he is working on the big screen! "Yellowstone" has brought him a lot of joy. If you are wondering about that iconic, modern-day Western, he is there for you as one of those really recognizable characters! With "Rip Wheeler.", it may also be something for viewers that looks to bring back this awesome TV series. In 2021, Hauser discussed the event that he got involved with "Paparazzi," It seems the actor does not feel as if he has ever truly been negatively impacted, by the paparazzi! But he did bring up a point! There was a time when he really needed to step up as he was seen taking pictures of his son. This moment led to him letting loose one of those incredible stares from Rip Wheeler!

This one story truly helps show that this TV series and this character has a presence that is more than just acting. If you've gotten the chance, enjoy the wild rides! A really cool TV show!

Related Articles