Successfully Unsubscribed

Please allow up to 10 days for your unsubscription request to be processed.

Whiskers vs. Skin Debate: Pedro Pascal's Take on Beard vs. Clean Shave

movies-entertainment

By Daisy Leung

- Jul 27, 2025

You may know him from his sultry and villainous turn as Maxwell Lord in the blockbuster "Wonder Woman 1984", or maybe you've seen him in his latest role sporting that iconic 'stache as Mr. Fantastic in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s new movie - yes, we're talking about the endlessly charming Pedro Pascal!

Recently, he swapped film sets for a slightly less conventional battle ground. The actor found himself crossing verbal swords with his “Fantastic Four” co-actress, the wonderful Vanessa Kirby, in an exciting episode of LADbible’s “Agree to Disagree” series. The pressing topic on the debating floor? The unending question of what's sexier: A whiskery beard or a smooth-shaven face?

Despite famously rocking some form of facial fuzz throughout his illustrious acting career, there was one time where Pascal's mug was asked to wear nothing but a naked grimace. The role? The dastardly Maxwell Lord in the riveting sequel of "Wonder Woman 1984", a Christmas Day 2020 gift to theaters and HBO Max subscribers.

On his beardlessness in that film, Pascal nonchalantly confessed, “I grow such terrible facial hair, but if I were to shave it all off… I really look terrible. I was so appalled by the way I look in 'Wonder Woman 1984.' I loved the movie, but I never have gone back unless it were completely necessary.”

Whiskers vs. Skin Debate: Pedro Pascal's Take on Beard vs. Clean Shave

Pascal currently sports his trademark mustache while enthralling audiences as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in the most recent Marvel film, a choice that has stirred some critical sentiments amongst comic-book purists who are attached to the character's porcelain smooth visage. A seasoned veteran in franchise territory with spectacular performances in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us” under his belt, Pascal confessed jokingly to Vanity Fair about his ever-so controversial casting: “He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.”

These complaints certainly aren't unnoticed by our hero, who humorously admitted, “I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done.”

His stint as Maxwell Lord was a one-time affair within the DC Universe, but he seems to have found charming home within the Marvel Universe now. Pascal’s confirmed to continue his role as Reed in the highly anticipated "Avengers: Doomsday", set to grab our attention next year. Get ready to mark your calendars for the "Fantastic Four", descending into your nearest theaters on July 25. And of course, be sure to catch the fun debate between Pascal and Kirby on LADbible’s video series.

OUR RATING

5 / 10

Famed actor Pedro Pascal defends his beloved mustache and reflects on his superhero roles amid fan backlash over his facial hair.