Penn Badgley opens up about the shocking finale of You

Curious about what went down in the finale of You? Penn Badgley spills the beans on filming, surprises, and the character's dark side.

Imagine being the lead in a show where your character is a charming yet terrifying serial killer. That’s the reality for Penn Badgley, who plays Joe Goldberg in the hit series ‘You’. Since its debut in 2018, audiences have been captivated, horrified, and oddly charmed by Joe’s manipulative antics. As the show reached its gripping finale, Badgley sat down with his co-hosts on Podcrushed to discuss the whirlwind of emotions and challenges that came with bringing the series to a close.

Unraveling Joe Goldberg’s complexity

The character of Joe is anything but straightforward. He’s a blend of charisma and chilling danger, which is part of what keeps viewers hooked. Badgley reflects on how Joe’s narration allows him to charm the audience while simultaneously revealing his darker nature. It’s a fascinating duality that many viewers find themselves grappling with. I mean, who hasn’t caught themselves rooting for the villain at some point? Joe’s ability to manipulate not just his victims, but also the viewers, is a testament to the complexity of modern storytelling in television.

The finale’s shocking moments

In the series finale, we see Joe face off against his season five love interest, Louise “Bronte” Flannery, played by Madeline Brewer. It’s a climactic encounter that reveals Joe in all his monstrous glory. Badgley’s insights into the filming process add layers to this already intense experience. He mentioned that many of the lake scenes were shot with body doubles for safety and hygiene concerns. Can you imagine the behind-the-scenes chatter? “Hey, can you jump in the lake for this shot?” – a notion that would send shivers down anyone’s spine!

Filming challenges and hilarious anecdotes

But it wasn’t all doom and gloom on set. Badgley shared a particularly amusing anecdote about wearing a tight Speedo made from a rather thick material designed to protect him from the lake’s bacteria. “I’m saying this not because it was dangerous at all, but because it was just gross,” he joked. It’s these little moments that bring a breath of fresh air to an otherwise dark narrative. Badgley’s camaraderie with his co-stars and crew shines through in these stories, transforming what could have been tense filming days into something a bit more lighthearted. And let’s be honest, when you’re portraying a killer, a little levity goes a long way.

Reflections on Joe Goldberg’s journey

As the series comes to a close, it’s hard not to reflect on Joe’s journey. From his early days as a lovesick bookseller to the manipulative figure he has become, Joe’s evolution is both fascinating and disturbing. Personally, I believe that the allure of such characters lies in their complexity. They challenge our perceptions of morality and force us to confront uncomfortable truths about desire and obsession. Badgley himself noted how the story has sparked discussions about morality, relationships, and personal accountability.

Final thoughts on the legacy of You

With ‘You’ now a part of television history, its impact is undeniable. It has pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and left audiences with more questions than answers. As Badgley and his team wrapped up filming, they knew they were closing a chapter filled with both horror and humor. What remains is a legacy of storytelling that will influence future narratives in ways we can only begin to imagine. In the end, it’s not just about the thrill of the chase or the shock of the reveal; it’s about the conversations it sparks and the emotions it evokes. And as many know, that’s what great storytelling is all about.

Scritto da Editorial Staff
Categories TV

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