Pedro Pascal’s Facial Hair Journey and Its Impact on His Roles
Pedro Pascal has become a household name in recent years, thanks to his standout performances in major roles such as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Joel Miller in The Last of Us. These roles have not only brought him widespread recognition but also highlighted a recurring theme in his acting choices—facial hair. Both characters are protective father figures, and Pascal sports facial hair in both portrayals. This pattern continued with his latest role as Reed Richards in the MCU's The Fantastic Four: The First Steps, where he once again embraced a beard. However, this wasn’t just a coincidence; it was a deliberate choice.
During a recent appearance on LADbible’s "Agree to Disagree" series alongside his Fantastic Four co-star Vanessa Kirby, Pascal discussed the topic of facial hair when the conversation turned to whether mustaches are sexier than beards. He shared his personal views on the matter, revealing that he had been “appalled” by his clean-shaven look in the 2020 film Wonder Woman 1984, where he played the villain Maxwell Lord. At the time, he was completely clean-shaven, which he now considers a mistake.
“I grow such st facial hair, but if I were to shave it all off… I really look very [awful]. Strongly disagree with a clean-shaven me. I was so appalled by the way I look in Wonder Woman 1984. 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 admitted. He explained that while he would have complied with a request to go clean-shaven for The Fantastic Four, the decision was ultimately a collaborative one, and the team worked together to create the looks that best suited the characters.
When Pascal was cast as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in the MCU, some fans expressed concerns about how the character would be portrayed. Many felt that Reed should be clean-shaven, as seen in the original comics. Given that Pascal is now known for his signature facial hair, the casting sparked some controversy. “I'm more aware of [the] disgruntlement around my casting than anything I've ever done,” he told Vanity Fair, recalling the criticisms: “'He's too old. He's not right. He needs to shave.'"
Despite the initial skepticism, The Fantastic Four: The First Steps marks Pascal’s return to comic book movies, and it seems his portrayal has already gained traction. The film is set to debut in theaters on July 25, 2025, and will introduce audiences to Pascal’s version of Reed Richards. Alongside him, Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn portrays Johnny Storm/Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach stars as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson as Galactus.
Pascal’s performance as Reed Richards is expected to be a key part of the MCU’s Phase Six, which will culminate in Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The director of The Fantastic Four: The First Steps, Matt Shakman, has previously praised Pascal for his ability to bring depth to the character. He noted that Pascal can embody the various facets of Reed Richards, from being the smartest man alive to a caring father and supportive ally—traits that Pascal has demonstrated in previous roles.
With the release of The Fantastic Four: The First Steps just months away, fans are eager to see how Pascal brings Reed Richards to life on the big screen. Whether or not they agree with his facial hair choice, there’s no denying that his performance will be a significant moment in the MCU’s ongoing story.
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