Penn Badgley Reveals His Thoughts on the End of You
A Bittersweet Farewell
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers from the final season of You.
In a candid revelation during his recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the ever-charismatic Penn Badgley, famed for his role as the enigmatic serial killer Joe Goldberg, expressed that he is "very ready for it to end" after five gripping seasons.
Reflecting on a Defining Era
Badgley, now 38, shared that stepping into the role at age 30 shaped a significant part of his life. “It’s been close to eight years,” he noted, “but I’m gonna be 40 by the end of next year, and I’m probably still gonna be talking about it — so that’s my 30s right there.”
For the actor, portraying Joe Goldberg has been a transformative experience. He described it as “a definitive event of my 30s,” acknowledging the profound impact the character has had on his life and career.
A Satisfying Conclusion
When asked whether he was content with how the show wraps up, Badgley responded with an enthusiastic “yeah.” He elaborated that the final season serves as “a deconstruction of Joe, of this character.” This climax finds Joe incarcerated for his sprawling list of crimes, culminating in a visceral confrontation with his new love interest, Bronte (played by Madeline Brewer), ultimately resolved in a dramatic standoff with police.
The Physical Toll of Acting
Badgley divulged that the role has taken quite a toll on his body, especially in the intense final sequences. “I’m expressing rage all the time on the show, and it comes through your neck,” he explained, recognizing that the physical demands of Joe’s character had left him feeling depleted. He candidly shared, “I found that those muscles were just completely giving out.”
Reflecting on the intensity of his performance, he said, “What I was doing I thought was very uninteresting…And I’m not kidding. That’s not an exaggeration.”
The Impact of Joe Goldberg
Despite the challenges, Badgley expressed a sense of loss as the series comes to a close. “I think I will miss him a little bit. He’s been a profound experience for me,” he remarked, acknowledging that Joe Goldberg has taught him invaluable lessons about manhood — lessons that go beyond the simplistic notion of right and wrong.
Conclusion: A Farewell to Remember
The emotional weight of saying goodbye is palpable for Badgley. He encapsulated his experience perfectly: “It was everything. My body was saying no to this man.” As he prepares to part ways with Joe, the actor looks back on a character that has defined nearly a decade of his life.
The final season of You is now streaming on Netflix, marking the end of an era for both the actor and fans alike. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable conclusion to this thrilling series.
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