Brandon Sklenar without a beard feels a little bit like seeing a different person. If you've spent the last couple of years watching him as Spencer Dutton in 1923, you’re probably used to the rugged, "just stepped out of the African bush" look. That thick mustache and the scruffy jawline basically became his trademark. It was his vibe.
Then the It Ends With Us press tour happened.
Suddenly, the internet was flooded with photos of a much smoother, more polished version of the actor. Seeing Brandon Sklenar clean shaven for the first time in ages was a genuine shock to the system for fans who only knew him as the brooding cowboy. It wasn't just a grooming choice; it felt like a total branding shift. One minute he's a 1920s war hero, and the next, he’s a sleek, modern Hollywood leading man.
The Spencer Dutton Effect: Why We Loved the Scruff
Let’s be honest: the facial hair was doing a lot of heavy lifting in 1923. Sklenar himself has admitted in interviews that the mustache was a massive part of the character's appeal. It gave him that "warm masculinity" that Taylor Sheridan loves to write. Without it, Spencer Dutton wouldn't have felt nearly as weathered or dangerous.
The beard wasn't just for show. It was a mask. It allowed Sklenar to hide his actual face behind the grit of a man who’s seen too much. When he finally showed up to events in late 2024 and throughout 2025 with a bare face, it felt like he was finally stepping out from behind the Dutton shadow.
Transitioning to Atlas Corrigan
When he was cast as Atlas in It Ends With Us, everyone wondered if he’d keep the facial hair. In the book, Atlas is described in ways that allow for some interpretation, but the film version needed to feel distinct from his Yellowstone universe persona.
While he kept some light stubble for the role of Atlas, the press tour was a different story.
Seeing him on the red carpet—fully clean-shaven or with just the barest hint of a five o'clock shadow—revealed a much younger-looking actor. He has a very classic, square jawline. Most people didn't even realize how sharp his features were because the beard was camouflaging them. It’s a bold move. Actors often get "stuck" in a look that works, but Sklenar seems intent on proving he’s a chameleon.
The Grooming Evolution of 2025
By the time we hit the 2025 awards season and the screenings for The Housemaid, the Brandon Sklenar clean shaven look had become his new standard. He traded the "wild man" energy for something a lot more refined. Think less "mountain man" and more "Old Hollywood."
Why the change?
- Role Requirements: He’s been training for what he calls his "biggest role yet," which many fans speculate is a superhero turn (the Batman rumors are relentless).
- Versatility: You can’t play a high-society thriller lead or a billionaire with a messy beard from the plains of Montana.
- The "Groomer" Influence: Professional groomers like Jamie Taylor, who worked with him during his major press runs, have leaned into a more "Modern Gentleman" aesthetic.
How to Get the Look (If You’re Brave Enough)
If you're looking at Sklenar and thinking about ditching your own beard, there's a specific way his team handles the transition. It’s not just about taking a razor to your face and hoping for the best.
Honestly, it’s about the jawline. Sklenar’s look works because he has the bone structure to support it. If you’re going for that clean-shaven aesthetic, his stylists usually recommend a high-quality pre-shave oil to avoid the dreaded red bumps. He often pairs the bare face with a "Textured Crop" or a "Modern Fade" on top. It balances the smoothness of the face with a bit of volume and messiness on the head.
Facing the Controversy
It hasn't all been about looks, though. 2024 and 2025 were heavy years for him. Between the It Ends With Us drama and the legal battles between his co-stars, Sklenar had to grow a thick skin. Maybe the clean-shaven look was a way of shedding that "messy" era.
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He’s spoken out about the "hate" he received for simply trying to stay neutral. In a weird way, the change in his appearance mirrored his attempt to move past the tabloid noise. He looks like someone who is ready for a fresh start.
What's Next for Brandon’s Face?
With 1923 Season 2 on the horizon, we know the beard has to come back at some point. Spencer Dutton can't exactly find a Gillette Mach 3 in the middle of a shipwreck or a ranch war. But for now, the "smooth" era of Brandon Sklenar is here to stay.
It’s a reminder that a simple shave can completely change a person's "type" in Hollywood. He went from the rugged character actor to a genuine "Face of the Brand" style leading man.
If you want to replicate the Sklenar evolution, start by focusing on skin health rather than just the shave itself. Use a heavy moisturizer to keep the skin looking "plump" and healthy, which is how he maintains that youthful look despite being in his mid-30s. Invest in a good trimmer to maintain that "almost clean" stubble if you're not ready to go full baby-face just yet. Keep the hair on top textured to prevent looking too corporate.