Pedro Pascal "Appalled by the Way He Looked" Clean-Shaven In "Wonder Woman 1984"

In a recent promotional interview for Marvel’s upcoming ‘Fantastic Four,’ actor Pedro Pascal opened up about a surprisingly personal topic: his discomfort with his appearance in 2020’s ‘Wonder Woman 1984.’ The Chilean-American star, who played the villainous Maxwell Lord in Patty Jenkins’ DC sequel, admitted that going clean-shaven for the role left him feeling “so appalled by the way I looked” that he has never returned to being clean-shaven for an acting role unless absolutely necessary. “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 shared during LADbible’s ‘Agree to Disagree’ video series, a segment that also featured his ‘Fantastic Four’ co-star Vanessa Kirby .

Pascal’s remarks have prompted a broader conversation about the pressures placed on actors—particularly men—to conform to specific beauty ideals in Hollywood. While much attention is often paid to the unrealistic standards women face, Pascal’s comments underscore that men, too, are subjected to expectations that may not align with their sense of self. “I grow such facial hair, but if I were to shave it all off, I really look very . Strongly disagree with a clean-shaven me,” Pascal said, adding that he would only do so again if it was “completely necessary” for a role .

This openness about personal discomfort is rare among male celebrities, who are often expected to project confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. Pascal’s willingness to speak about his vulnerability is significant, as it challenges traditional ideas of masculinity that discourage men from expressing insecurity or dissatisfaction with their looks.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender and non-binary people, facial hair can hold deep meaning as a marker of gender identity and self-expression. The ability—or inability—to grow and style facial hair in a way that feels authentic can be a source of empowerment, anxiety, or even dysphoria. Pascal’s decision to maintain facial hair as a matter of personal comfort resonates with LGBTQ+ individuals who navigate societal expectations and their own relationship to gender presentation.

Hollywood’s influence on beauty and gender norms is profound, and moments like this offer opportunities to reflect on how those norms can be expanded to embrace greater diversity. By publicly rejecting the expectation to be clean-shaven, Pascal not only asserts his own authenticity but also models for others—inside and outside the industry—that it’s okay to resist pressures to conform.

Pascal’s now-signature mustache, which he will sport as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming tentpole, has already sparked debate among fans. Some comic book enthusiasts have voiced disappointment, preferring a look more faithful to the clean-shaven character. Yet, the collaborative approach to Pascal’s appearance in ‘Fantastic Four’ highlights a shift in the industry toward giving actors more agency over their personal presentation .

The dialogue around Pascal’s facial hair extends beyond simple aesthetics. It points to broader questions of bodily autonomy and the right to self-identify—central themes within LGBTQ+ rights movements. As more actors and public figures advocate for authenticity over conformity, Hollywood may be inching closer to a more inclusive vision of beauty and gender expression.

Pedro Pascal’s candidness comes amid a wider cultural reassessment of gender norms and expectations. In recent years, there has been increased visibility of LGBTQ+ actors, models, and creators who challenge traditional standards and advocate for greater diversity in media. Stories like Pascal’s add to the momentum, encouraging fans and industry professionals alike to reconsider what authenticity and representation look like.

As the conversation about masculinity, beauty, and self-expression continues, Pascal’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of agency and self-acceptance—values that are at the heart of LGBTQ+ advocacy. His story is not just about facial hair; it’s about the freedom to be oneself, both on and off the screen.