Penn Badgley Draws the Line: What He’ll Never Do in the ‘Gossip Girl’ Universe
In a recent interview with E! News, actor Penn Badgley, known for his captivating roles in both Gossip Girl and YOU, opened up about the intersection of his prominent roles—and revealed one thing he’s adamant about: a crossover between the two shows is simply not on the table.
The Allure of a Crossover (But Not for Penn)
Badgley, who famously plays the chilling character Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s psychological thriller YOU, shared a light-hearted take on what fans might envision with a crossover. “There’s the obvious joke that narrating all of Gossip Girl with Joe’s voice would be quite fitting,” he mused.
However, he quickly added, “That’s never gonna happen, though, just to be clear. Never gonna happen.” Bold words from a leading man who recognizes the unique charm of Gossip Girl’s original format.
Kristen Bell: The Irreplaceable Voice
A major reason for Badgley’s reluctance to blend the worlds of YOU and Gossip Girl may lie in the sheer talent of his co-star, Kristen Bell. He praised her iconic voiceover work, stating that it became iconic for one pivotal reason—it’s hers. “Her voice is Gossip Girl,” Penn explained, showcasing immense respect for the legacy she created.
A Dream Reunion on New Frontiers
While Badgley may be steering clear of any Gossip Girl crossovers, he hasn’t closed the door on collaborating with Kristen Bell again. He expressed genuine excitement about reuniting with her—but not in the typical rom-com mold. After doing a voiceover for her show, Nobody Wants This, he mentioned, “Specifically her, I would love to work with her… But I think in a romantic comedy, that’s not what I’m looking for.”
Looking Ahead: The Final Season of YOU
As fans eagerly await the fifth and final season of YOU, which premieres on April 24 on Netflix, Badgley reflected on his character’s journey throughout the series. He noted, “He’s the same Joe underneath the hood. What we are about, in the final sense, is looking under that hood and taking it apart and dismantling him.”
This introspective exploration will surely keep audiences on the edge of their seats as they witness Joe’s final transformation.
Conclusion: An Actor Grounded in His Craft
Penn Badgley’s firm stance against a Gossip Girl crossover may resonate with fans who cherish the distinct vibes of both shows. As he prepares to bid farewell to Joe Goldberg, his insightful reflections on his character and his admiration for his co-stars reveal an actor deeply committed to his craft.
For fans of both series, it’s time to indulge in the drama of YOU one last time—certainly without the distraction of Gossip Girl’s infamous whispers!
For more on Penn Badgley’s latest projects and insights, check out his interview with E! News here.
