UK Man Draws Attention for Resemblance to ‘You’ Character Joe Goldberg

DOVER, England – Nikita Darwin, a 22-year-old from Dover, claims he resembles Joe Goldberg, the infamous character from Netflix’s thriller series “You.” Since this similarity was pointed out by friends and family, he has received numerous unusual messages.

“I have a lot of family and friends say that I look like Joe from ‘You,’” Darwin said. He added that many people mention he has a “serial killer vibe,” which concerns him as he insists he is not trying to emulate that character.

The phenomenon began earlier this year when Darwin started posting videos on TikTok, reenacting the mannerisms and style of Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley. “I get thousands upon thousands of messages every day of people telling me that I look like Joe,” Darwin remarked.

Some of these messages have taken a creepy turn. Female fans often reach out via dating apps, asking him to stalk them or even to be locked in a glass cage. “I will be sent locations, people will ask me to stalk them and lock them in a glass cage,” he shared. These requests, he admits, can feel overwhelming.

Despite the fame he’s gained, Darwin expressed confusion about the appeal of Joe Goldberg’s character. “In all honesty, I don’t think people would enjoy it as much as they think they would,” he stated. “I think he is really bad, but all the girls seem to be fascinated by this serial killer, which is really messed up.”

This fascination has not only led to online messages but also in-person encounters. Darwin shared that people often approach him in public, mistaking him for Badgley and treating him as if he were the character.

As the fifth and final season of “You” debuted last month, the show continues to generate buzz. Fans remain captivated by Joe Goldberg’s story, complicating the line between admiration and the dark nature of his character.