Zac Efron’s Haircut Was Inspired By A Panini, And Nothing Makes Sense

Food has influenced people in many ways. I mean, even baby names have been inspired by popular foods, proving that a delicious meal will last in someone’s mind forever. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Zac Efron’s latest haircut was created all thanks to food, but the type of food itself may make you a little curious.

Now, Efron isn’t the only celebrity who has had locks that resembled food.

Just flash back to the late ’90s — boys bands were topping the charts, and ‘NSYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick did it all while rocking a hairdo that many fans thought resembled a pineapple. But, Efron’s style is seriously next level.

It’s so weird that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see it trend.

While working on a film called The Beach Bum, the crew was actually inspired to style Efron’s hair after a panini. Seriously. So if you see him and suddenly feel the need to run to Panera Bread, now you know why.

Director Harmony Korine reportedly confirmed this at SXSW, which makes the story even funnier. Can you imagine having a big group lunch, feeling hungry, and deciding on how to style a lead character based on what you ate?

Harmony Korine on how he arrived at @ZacEfron's haircut in #TheBeachBum: "i just stared at a panini." pic.twitter.com/LThcfAo6pY

— ʙobb x ʜa: 𝕒 𝕗𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 (@b6421) March 10, 2019

But here’s the problem. When you see Efron’s style, you won’t be able to unsee it. It’s spectacular.

Of course, fans made a big joke out of it.

Because it’s such a ridiculous story that makes the entire movie even more intriguing.

Lol I feel like the ghost of panini past "say noooo moooooreeee" @codacia pic.twitter.com/yxHSCXoyjs

— Matt Script (@scriptamode) March 11, 2019

And as expected, there was a reference to The Office.

The show has nothing to do with The Beach Bum, but it’s kind of hard not to credit Michael Scott-isms during times like this.

Zac Efron burned his face with Michael Scott’s George Forman grill.

— Trea Turner a fraud (@jedifernando57) March 11, 2019

Others tied it to Gordon Ramsay. The popular chef does know how to insult.

All I can think of pic.twitter.com/QXJpinpGcI

— Kate Dolphin (@KateDolphin7) March 12, 2019

And others felt like it wasn’t necessarily a Zac Efron look, but a Justin Bieber look, maybe.

Oddly enough, those tweets weren’t the first to notice the similarity. Back in 2018, likely when Efron was filming the movie, a fan caught on.

And it was so jarring that Efron supporters truly hoped it was for a role. But, they guessed the wrong one.

That didn’t totally take away from the fact that Efron is pretty attractive.

I mean, it’s a goofy cut, but he has the charm to actually pull it off.

Just in case you haven’t seen a panini in a while (they kind of had their day a decade ago and faded away from everyday conversation, much like the biscotti) here’s a reminder:

Really, all we need in this world right now is a picture of Zac Efron with that haircut, eating a panini.

But it might be tough to get him to shave it again for the sake of one (amazing) photo.

If you’re wondering whether or not the panini hair has anything to do with the movie, my guess is “probably not so much.”

The movie, which will be released on March 29th, is about a stoner named Moondog who lives life to its fullest.

The main character is played by Matthew McConaughey, while Efron takes on the role of Flicker.

The movie literally has an all-star cast. Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg, Martin Lawrence, and Jonah Hill also have important roles.

THE BEACH BUM: A wild chaotic ride with plenty of hearty laughs and a transcendent performance by Matthew McConaughey. #SXSW2019

— Mark P. Saldana (@Movie_Doc) March 10, 2019

And those who saw it at SXSW had nothing but positive things to say.

So, Efron’s decision to get that cut (and live with it throughout filming) paid off.

The Beach Bum: A weed fueled spectacle that is full of laughs, love, drugs and the passion to just enjoy life. Korine has made the ultimate stoner comedy of the 21st century and gives McConaughey a role he was born to play.

Grade: A- #SXSW2019 pic.twitter.com/mJQz1VCwVh

— Ryan McQuade (@ryanmcquade77) March 10, 2019

These days, Efron’s hair is a bit blonder than normal. But it’s safe to say that it doesn’t necessarily resemble a sandwich.

If there’s anyone in this world who could pull off panini hair, it has to be Efron.

And hey, more good news — since the effect was mostly in his beard, it probably didn’t take long at all to grow back in after shooting.

The best way to enjoy this radical style is by seeing it yourself on the big screen.

Clearly.