Pedro Pascal Explains Why He Prefers Facial Hair for His Onscreen Roles

Pedro Pascal recently opened up about his facial hair preferences during a fun segment on LADbible’s “Agree To Disagree” video series.

The actor appeared alongside Vanessa Kirby, his co-star in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the two were asked to weigh in on whether mustaches are sexier than beards.

Pascal Reflects on His Look in Wonder Woman 1984

In the conversation, The Last of Us actor revealed that he has a strong preference for facial hair while onscreen. This preference began after seeing himself without any facial hair in Wonder Woman 1984, where he played the villain Maxwell Lord.

“I grow such s**t facial hair, but if I were to shave it all off… I really look very awful,” Pascal stated. He added, “Strongly disagree with a clean-shaven me.”

The actor went on to explain, “In Wonder Woman 1984, I was so appalled by the way I looked. I loved the movie, but I was so appalled by the way that I looked that I never have gone back unless it were completely necessary.”

Pascal emphasized that the experience left a lasting impression, making him reluctant to shave for any role unless it was absolutely required.

A Signature Look That Wins Hearts

Known for his rugged charm, Pascal has won over audiences with his tousled hairstyle and iconic salt-and-pepper beard. Over time, his facial hair has become an essential part of his screen persona.

In the LADbible video, when asked whether mustaches or beards were sexier, Pascal leaned in favor of mustaches.

The actor’s inclination toward facial hair isn’t just personal preference; it reflects a look that has come to define many of his most memorable roles.

His Look in Fantastic Four Sparks Debate

Pascal continues to sport his facial hair in his latest Marvel role as Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This decision, however, has stirred mixed reactions among Marvel fans.

While some appreciated the updated interpretation of the iconic character, many comic book purists pointed out that Reed Richards traditionally appears clean-shaven. This led to criticism from some fans who claimed Pascal was not the right fit for the role.

Responding to the Fan Backlash

Previously, in an interview with Variety, Pascal addressed the backlash he faced following the casting announcement. He admitted that the criticisms were hard to ignore.

“He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave,” Pascal recalled hearing repeatedly.

When asked during the LADbible interview whether he would have shaved had Marvel insisted on it, Pascal responded, “If they insisted, I would’ve done it. But it was a very collaborative creation for all of our looks in the movie.”

This comment highlights how Marvel Studios allowed space for actors like Pascal to contribute to their characters’ visual presentation in the film.

About The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film franchise and is directed by Matt Shakman.

The film features a star-studded cast including Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, with Pedro Pascal leading as Reed Richards.

Additional cast members include Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson. The film is slated to release in theatres on July 25, 2025.

Pascal’s portrayal of Mr. Fantastic—with his now-signature mustache—adds a fresh layer to the character, even if it diverges from the comic book version.

As the release date nears, fans remain divided, but Pascal’s commitment to his look and his performances continues to command attention.