Movies

You Won’t Believe the 18th Bearded Superhero in the MCU

BBG News

In the latest blockbuster film from Marvel Studios, a new bearded character joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Interestingly, this trend of facial hair can be seen among several major characters in Marvel Studios’ interconnected franchise; for instance, both Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Charlie Cox’s Daredevil have appeared on screen with beards.

In the upcoming movie, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” both Pedro Pascal’s character Mister Fantastic/Reed Richards and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s character Ben Grimm/The Thing will sport beards. Interestingly, this makes Ben Grimm one of 17 MCU heroes to don a beard at some point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the latest sneak peek of “Fantastic Four,” we get our first look at The Thing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe featuring a rocky beard, as depicted in one sequence.

It appears that the character sometimes goes without a beard, suggesting a short-term change in appearance. Yet, it’s thrilling to watch him experiment with new styles, deviating from his usual image.

Every Other Bearded Superhero in the MCU

Iron Man

In simpler terms, Robert Downey Jr.’s character Tony Stark/Iron Man revolutionized the superhero world in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his unique goatee beard style, being the first bearded hero to make a lasting impact. For more than a decade, he served as the face of the franchise until he gave up his life (alongside his iconic facial hair) to protect the universe from Thanos.

Thor

Throughout his Marvel Cinematic Universe career, starting from his 2012 solo movie, Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor has maintained a blonde beard, echoing the appearance of the Asgardian God of Thunder as depicted in Norse mythology for centuries.

Captain America (Infinity War)

2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War” saw Chris Evans’ character Steve Rogers, usually clean-shaven, sporting a rougher, bearded look. This new appearance coincided with a period in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where Cap had relinquished his shield following the incidents of “Captain America: Civil War”. The beard symbolized this change in his storyline.

Nick Fury

Over the course of time, the character portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Fury, has sported various facial hairstyles. A rough beard, a recent addition to his diverse collection, is one such style. After years of sporting his signature goatee and even shaving it off for Captain Marvel, Fury decided to let the beard grow for Secret Invasion.

Heimdall

Just like most of his fellow Asgardians, Heimdall has kept a beard during his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Idris Elba’s character, the all-knowing guardian of Asgard, now dwells in Valhalla – the place where Jane Foster (played by Natalie Portman) ended up at the close of Thor: Love and Thunder>.

Winter Soldier

Initially, fans encountered Bucky Barnes as a spirited, clean-shaven teenager embarking on war in the early 1900s. But after enduring decades under Hydra’s influence, the character portrayed by Sebastian Stan transformed into the bearded Winter Soldier. His facial hair symbolizes the wear and tear that his soul experienced over more than 70 years.

Sam Wilson

Regardless of whether he played Falcon or Captain America, Anthony Mackie’s character Sam Wilson has always sported some sort of beard style. Typically, he sports a neatly groomed goatee, which gives him a clean-cut look regardless of the superhero costume he dons.

Star-Lord

I find myself captivated by Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Star-Lord, particularly his distinctive facial hair style. Although it might be labeled as a full beard at first glance, upon closer inspection, it transforms into something more intricate: a well-groomed mustache that stands alone, with stubble only appearing along his cheeks and chin.

Yondu

In a nod to his mentor Yondu, played by Michael Rooker in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, Star-Lord seems to have adopted a similar hairstyle for his facial hair. Notably, Yondu sports a distinctive blue beard, with strands on both his lip and chin area.

Quicksilver

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal of Quicksilver, Wanda Maximoff’s swift-moving brother, had a brief run. He first appeared in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” but unfortunately met his end during the movie’s final scenes.

Black Panther

Certainly, Shuri, who is currently portrayed by Letitia Wright in the Marvel Universe, doesn’t sport a beard. However, her older brother, T’Challa (the Black Panther character), did have one. Chadwick Boseman brilliantly played the role of Black Panter from Captain America: Civil War to Avengers: Endgame, but unfortunately, he passed away at the young age of 43.

Doctor Strange

Since making his Marvel Cinematic Universe entrance, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange consistently sports a goatee, similar to his comic book version. The character often changes his facial hair styles, ranging from neatly groomed looks to letting it grow out on occasion, such as during his initial journey to Kamar-Taj.

M’Baku

Winston Duke portrays M’Baku, another Wakandan character known for his impressive beard that extends from his jawline, becoming increasingly long towards his chin.

Phastos

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brian Tyree Henry breathes vitality into the character of Phastos. Often recognized as the Eternals’ master inventor, Phastos boasts a well-groomed beard that fittingly radiates an air of divinity, reflecting his esteemed status throughout history.

John Walker

In “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” John Walker (Wyatt Russell) made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut with a clean-shaven look. However, he’s sporting a full beard in his latest role for “Thunderbolts.” This new facial hair style symbolizes the elapsed time since his last screen appearance, as his character’s standing has diminished following the 2021 Disney+ series.

Red Guardian

It’s difficult not to contend that David Harbour’s Red Guardian boasts the most impressive beard in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This full-bodied, whiskered accessory is quite remarkable, complementing his ample midriff and missing teeth, creating an image of a superhero who has seen better days, embodying a past-his-prime patriot figure.

Reed Richards

In essence, there have been two distinct portrayals of Reed Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) sporting beards. Initially, John Krasinski made a brief appearance as the character in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” with a hearty lumberjack beard, while Pedro Pascal is set to play the elastic-skinned hero in “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” sporting a more refined and trimmed version.

Bonus Bits of Beards…

Hawkeye (Civil War)

Similar to Captain America, Hawkeye, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, is usually clean-shaven in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but there’s often a hint of facial hair present. This was particularly noticeable in Captain America: Civil War, where his character sported a thin goatee.

Daredevil

For as long as Charlie Cox has embodied the esteemed Matt Murdock/Daredevil, he’s always worn a small beard beneath his crimson cowl. Cox’s legendary Marvel character reappeared in the MCU this year with Daredevil: Born Again, a series that has already confirmed a sequel.

Gilgamesh

As a film enthusiast, I find myself captivated by Gilgamesh, portrayed by Don Lee in the Eternals, whose beard is slightly trimmed compared to his comrade Phastos. Known as the muscle of the Eternals, I can’t help but admire his physical prowess on the battlefield, a testament to his strength and resilience in combat.

Wong

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Wong, who plays Doctor Strange’s magical sidekick (portrayed by Benedict Wong), often sports a bit of facial hair. This beard of his suits him well, considering he holds the title of Sorcerer Supreme now.

On this coming Friday, July 24th, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set to hit theaters. This movie will mark Marvel’s First Family’s debut under the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) for the very first time. The courageous quartet will be portrayed by actors Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, and Vanessa Kirby in this exciting new film.

Initially, the main group of protagonists in “First Steps” will face an unprecedented danger as their realm encounters a menace from outer space. This peril comes in the form of Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a cosmic being, and his attendant, The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who possesses a silvery complexion.

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2025-07-10 05:35

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