The bizarre reason why Kit Harington had to shave his beard

The internet was up in arms when word got out that Kit Harington’s majestic beard had disappeared. When the Game of Thrones actor found out about all the commotion, he was in disbelief. “I’m amazed that it makes [news],” he told Digital Spy. “These are mainstream publications writing about someone’s beard being shaved! Hair grows back and actors have to change their look all the time. I find it consistently entertaining.”  

While that is true and all, Harington clearly doesn’t take into account that fans probably prefer he stay looking like Jon Snow 24-7 — especially if said fans are into beardos. He also revealed the reason why he forwent his signature gruff. “I’m doing what’s called a shave test or something,” Harington explained. “For my next job I have to work out how quickly I can grow a beard. To do that, I have to shave. So I’m not having to take selfies everyday, it’s not fun!”

Perhaps that mysterious new role has something to do with this video that Time posted showing Harington get wheeled into some weird scanning contraption. WHAT is going on there? He did admit that his new clean-cut appearance helped him go unrecognized by GOT fans. “I guess I’m associated with a look, so having shaved there was less being noticed, so that was quite fun.” He should have had more fun with it and wore a crazy wig.

Harington is currently in London, acting as the lead in the play, Doctor Faustus.