Chris Pine’s Bushy Beard Is the Result of Straight Up ‘Laziness’: ‘Any Excuse Not to Shave’

Easy way out! Chris Pine has sent social media spiraling in recent days thanks to his very bushy — and very large — salt and pepper beard. Now, he’s finally giving fans an explanation for his new facial hair. “It’s like, equal parts laziness and equal parts something I may do in the future,” the 45-year-old actor told Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of All the Old Knives on Wednesday, March 9. “If there’s any excuse not to shave and have makeup put on, I, you know…” Given the crazy grooming switch up, it’s no surprise that the star set social media on fire. While a handful expressed preference for Pine’s clean shaven look, majority of fans rallied behind his beard. “Chris Pine’s gray beard era is going to be my undoing. I am not strong,” a fan tweeted, while another said, “The Chris Pine silver fox beard ain’t playing.” Another suggested that “if Star Trek 4 actually happens” production should insist that the actor “keep the beard and the hair.” While his facial hair alone would have been enough to start a Twitter tizzy, he truly took his ‘70s-inspired look to the next level with a cream-colored suit and button-down from Sandro. “This is my Gregg Allman look,” Pine joked to ET. “My publicist said I look like a Bee Gee, but I prefer Gregg Allman.” Even though Pine only rocks a bit of scruff in All the Old Knives, which hits theaters on April 8, he did tease that his grown out facial hair might just be for a new role. This little tidbit of information follows the news that Pine will be making his directorial debut with a new film called Poolman, which he will star in alongside Danny DeVito and Annette Bening. “In the movie, Pine will play Darren Barrenman, a hapless dreamer and would-be philosopher,” according to Deadline. If you ask Us, a mighty long beard most definitely seems to go along with his character’s vibe… The movie, which Deadline reports should start filming in June, documents Barrenman’s days, which include watching over the pool of the Tahitian Tiki apartment block and attending city council meetings. Things take twist however when he discovers the “greatest water heist in LA history since Chinatown.” “He makes uneasy alliances with beautiful and connected femme fatale who will follow every lead he can with corrupt city officials, burned out Hollywood types and mysterious benefactors — all in the name of protecting his precious Los Angeles,” Deadline reported. Keep scrolling to see pictures of Pine and his beard in action!