Could Joe Goldberg Be Dan Humphrey? A Wild Fan Theory Connects "You" and "Gossip Girl"

At first glance, You and Gossip Girl may appear to be worlds apart. The glitzy drama of Manhattan’s Upper East Side is a far cry from the dark obsessions that fuel Joe Goldberg’s life in You. Yet, an intriguing fan theory suggests that these two seemingly disparate narratives could be woven together in a scandalous way—perhaps Joe Goldberg and Dan Humphrey are the same person!

The Characters: A Tale of Two Obsessions

Gossip Girl depicts the lives of privileged teenagers, including characters like Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, narrated by an anonymous gossip blogger. The show is packed with betrayal, manipulation, and scandals, turning it into an addictive guilty pleasure.

On the contrary, You follows Joe Goldberg, whose obsessive love leads him down a violent path, turning him into a certified stalker and murderer. Both series star the talented Penn Badgley, who brilliantly portrays both characters, making it difficult not to draw comparisons.

A Closer Look at Dan Humphrey and Joe Goldberg

While Dan Humphrey is often portrayed as a redeemable character, Joe Goldberg’s morally ambiguous behavior starkly contrasts with him. However, fans have begun to explore a darker parallel, speculating that Dan might truly be Joe. But how does this theory hold weight?

The Key Revelation: Dan Humphrey is Gossip Girl

The foundation of this theory rests heavily on the shocking reveal that Dan Humphrey is Gossip Girl. Throughout the series, Dan, known as "Lonely Boy," uses his insider knowledge to navigate the web of Upper East Side drama, exposing secrets for his own amusement and gains. This manipulation draws natural parallels to Joe’s stalking and obsession with the women he desires.

The controversies surrounding Gossip Girl’s identity left fans speculating. Initially, everyone seemed convinced that Eric, Serena’s younger brother, could be Gossip Girl, which opened the door to the theory that Dan assumed a new identity post-show.

Image via The CW

Dan’s Skills: The Perfect Set-Up for Joe

Dan’s ability to gather intel on the elite—a skill essential for Gossip Girl—could indicate that he shares traits with the infamous Joe Goldberg. Both characters are manipulators who harbor disdain for the wealthy while obsessing over their love interests. As such, Joe’s eventual persona could represent a dark evolution of Dan’s obsession.

Exploring Identity: Joe as a New Persona

Is Joe Goldberg Just Dan’s Alter Ego?

Could Joe Goldberg simply be an extreme version of Dan Humphrey? As fans delve deeper, the potential for Joe’s character to be a fabricated identity for Dan becomes more compelling. If Dan learned to enjoy the thrill of manipulation as Gossip Girl, it’s not far-fetched to envision him adopting the persona of Joe Goldberg to explore darker impulses.

By dressing up his murderous exploits as a twisted romance, Joe embodies the seductive quality of a character hell-bent on getting what he wants—a trait Dan exhibited in his quest to win Serena.

The Psychology Behind the Theory

In You, Joe’s thoughts are laid bare for viewers, allowing us to experience his moral compass—however warped—directly. Much like Dexter, where we sympathize with a serial killer’s thought process, fans are led to question the validity of Joe’s views compared to Dan’s.

The Dark Love Triangle: Beck and Serena

Looking at Joe’s first obsession, Beck, one can’t help but see parallels to Dan’s infatuation with Serena. Both women are characterized by volatility and emotional vulnerability, traits that could easily capture someone looking for a complex love story. This shared love interest only adds fire to the theory.

Conclusion: A Twisted Coin

In essence, Dan Humphrey and Joe Goldberg might be two sides of the same twisted coin. While Dan married Serena and led a seemingly normal life, the theory proposes that he pivoted into Joe Goldberg, trading in his charming façade for one filled with obsession and violence.

Fans of both shows can’t help but be entertained at the idea of Dan Humphrey embracing his darker instincts to become Joe Goldberg. While this deep dive into fan theories might be speculative, it reveals just how connected characters can be, even within vastly different universes. Whether or not the theory holds merit remains up for debate, but for now, it certainly stitches a scandalous thread between two beloved series.

If you’re intrigued by these characters and their dark possibilities, explore more about You and Gossip Girl for even deeper insights into their psychology and narratives!