Penn Badgley Breaks His Clothing Rule in You Season 5
Penn Badgley has captivated audiences for five seasons as Joe Goldberg in the hit series You. Though his portrayal of a charming stalker and murderer often blurred moral lines, the show’s final season took a bold step to remind viewers of Joe’s predatory nature. In a surprising twist, Badgley asked to appear “in as little clothes as possible” for his character, emphasizing the need for authenticity as the narrative reached its climax.
The Evolution of Badgley’s Approach to Intimacy in You
Initially, Badgley adopted a no-sex-scene policy for You season 4, aiming to avoid being typecast and to prioritize fidelity in his personal life. This decision was enthusiastically supported by creator Sera Gamble, resulting in fewer intimate moments on screen. However, for the final season, Badgley recognized the critical role that intimacy would play in Joe’s last obsession, Bronte, portrayed by Madeline Brewer. His willingness to break his established rules for this season marked a significant shift in narrative necessity.
Badgley Discusses the Importance of Nudity for Joe Goldberg
Speaking on his podcast Podcrushed, Badgley articulated why it was vital to showcase Joe’s vulnerability during intimate scenes. The climactic moment between Joe and Bronte in the season finale required their physical closeness to underline the horror of Joe’s manipulative behaviors. Badgley stated:
“This sequence is the most important sequence of the entire series, bar none. Where would anybody think that we want Joe to end? It’s gonna be in the cage, right? No, that’s not where he does his worst work. It’s in the bedroom. That’s where he is the most unaccounted for, as a predator, as a manipulator, as an abuser, as a completely dishonest person.”
This powerful quote encourages a deeper understanding of Joe’s character, emphasizing that his most terrifying actions occur in the intimate moments intended to manipulate and control.
The Craftsmanship Behind Badgley’s Push for Nudity
Highlighting Joe Goldberg’s Violence Through Clothing Choices
During the discussions about the final scenes, showrunners proposed that Joe should wear a white tank top, enabling the dirt and blood to stand out starkly. Contrarily, Badgley argued for minimal clothing, as he believed it signified Joe’s threatening nature during moments of intimacy. He stated, “He needs to look like he’s about to abuse [Bronte].” Ultimately, Joe was dressed only in black boxers for the climactic moments, creating a stark contrast to his previously more concealed demeanor.
The Impact of Badgley’s Choices on the Series Finale
Unveiling the True Joe Goldberg
The decision to have Joe appear nearly naked during the series’ finale was essential. It stripped away the layers of pretense that often charmed viewers and ultimately revealed an unmasked predator. The climactic scenes showcased Joe at his most raw and dangerous, fully illustrating Badgley’s intention to portray him as a monster who exploits emotional connections. As the audience witnessed Joe’s vulnerability in these pivotal moments, they also confronted the reality of his threats, fostering a deeper engagement with the character as he faced his greatest challenge.
The final season of You not only took bold strides in storytelling but also benefitted from Badgley’s creative input. His battle for authenticity culminated in a narrative that truthfully reflects Joe Goldberg’s monstrous nature while provoking crucial conversations about intimacy and manipulation.