Penn Badgley Reflects on Role of Joe Goldberg as ‘You’ Series Ends

NEW YORK, New York – Penn Badgley is ready to bid farewell to his role as Joe Goldberg in the hit Netflix series ‘You,’ as the show prepares for its fifth and final season, set to air on April 24. The 39-year-old actor recently opened up about the complexities of celebrity, the impact of his character, and his personal journey through fame.

Badgley, who has portrayed the manipulative serial killer since the show’s premiere in 2018, explained how this role has deeply influenced his life during a pivotal decade. ‘So my 30s have been officially defined by him,’ Badgley said, reflecting on how fatherhood and marriage have coincided with his time as Goldberg. He welcomed his first child, James, with wife Domino Kirke as his character became a father this season.

Throughout the series, Goldberg’s disturbing portrayal has raised questions about love, masculinity, and ethics. ‘Ultimately, the show is about misconceptions or modern myths about love,’ Badgley said. He expressed that portraying such an unlikable character has prompted him to explore the darker aspects of humanity while critiquing societal views on relationships.

Badgley pointed out that the show has been a medium for exploring issues that resonate with younger audiences today. However, he noted that the world has shifted since ‘You’ first aired. ‘It’s a politically intensifying world, and I don’t think this show would make sense starting right now,’ he said, adding that the stakes of exploring such themes have evolved.

Despite grappling with the darker themes of the show, Badgley insists that he has sought to instill some sense of morality into his character. ‘I personally always struggled with that question of how likable he has been,’ he said, expressing his desire to make (Goldberg) less appealing at every opportunity.

The actor also reflected on his experiences with body dysmorphia that impacted him during his early career in Hollywood. ‘I know that I hated my body and simply wanted a different one,’ Badgley confessed, citing his desire to portray the idealised images of men from films. He linked his struggles with self-image and his parents’ divorce, along with the scrutiny of child stardom, contributing to his body image challenges.

Badgley’s thoughts on sexuality in media have crystallized, especially regarding sex scenes in ‘You.’ He previously requested to limit his involvement in such scenes, arguing they often prioritize sensationalism over meaning. ‘There’s no time for condoms, there’s no time for conversation… It’s just not the way sex happens,’ he said, advocating for a more respectful depiction of sexuality in film and television.

As he prepares to close the chapter on Goldberg, Badgley remains reflective but hopeful about the future. He enjoys a loving family life, with twins on the way, and is set to launch a new book this fall. ‘It was as though I couldn’t sustain the rage anymore,’ he stated, indicating a sense of relief as he moves beyond the character.