Penn Badgley Confesses Who He Thinks Should Have Been Gossip Girl—but Reasons It "Wouldn’t Have Made Sense"
In a recent episode of the popular Call Her Daddy podcast, Penn Badgley, the actor synonymous with the role of Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl, opened up about one of the show’s most enduring mysteries: the true identity of Gossip Girl. During his candid conversation, Badgley revealed his unexpected choice for the elusive role and why it ultimately seemed unfeasible.
Who Should Have Been Gossip Girl?
As the podcast’s host, Alex Cooper, prodded Badgley for insights, he divulged, “We all wanted it to be Dorota,” the beloved maid of Blair Waldorf, portrayed by Zuzanna Szadkowski. Yet despite his fondness for the idea, Badgley admitted that it wouldn’t have worked. “It wouldn’t have made sense for anybody,” Badgley explained, emphasizing that the character needed to be a "series regular" for the reveal to have the necessary impact.
When Cooper suggested Rufus as an alternative candidate, Penn reiterated, “They needed it to be one of the core six. Otherwise, nobody cares.” This reflects the delicate balance the show maintained, crafting a narrative around a small group of elite characters in the bustling environment of New York City.
Fans React: A Split Decision
The revelation stirred a whirlwind of responses on Reddit, showcasing the diversity of opinions on who truly should have held the title of Gossip Girl. Some fans agreed with Badgley’s assessment, while others sharply disagreed. One fan mused, “Unpopular opinion but I would have hated Dorota as GG lmao.” Another lamented, “Dorota had such a nice relationship with Blair; I couldn’t envision her betraying her.”
However, not all responses leaned towards skepticism about Dan’s secret identity. Some fans expressed their fondness for Badgley’s character, arguing that he was the only one who made sense in the role. “I’m always surprised to hear that Dan wasn’t the original plan. He managed to write himself into their world and become an insider,” one enthusiast noted. This opinion underscores the core theme of Gossip Girl: the struggle of insiders versus outsiders.
The Legacy of Gossip Girl’s Final Reveal
With its final season revealing that the seemingly innocent Dan Humphrey was the mastermind behind Gossip Girl all along, the decision has generated a polarized discourse within the fandom. While some appreciate the irony, others argue it clashes with Dan’s character development. The narrative’s progression continually emphasizes the outsider theme, echoing throughout the series—something that resonates with many viewers even over a decade after its conclusion.
Reflections on Co-stars and the Past
In addition to the Gossip Girl insights, Badgley also reflected on his late co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who tragically passed away at 39 earlier this year. At a recent premiere for You in New York City, he fondly remembered her spirit, saying, “She had a pure heart,” recalling her joy and laughter during their time together.
The poignant contrast of nostalgia and the unspoken struggles that often accompany stardom is woven seamlessly into Badgley’s revelations. His comments came in light of the public outpouring of grief following Trachtenberg’s passing, which was ruled as a natural death following complications with diabetes.
Join the Gossip Girl Discussion!
As the conversation around Gossip Girl continues to evolve, fans are left pondering: Who do you think should have been Gossip Girl? Did Dan’s identity resonate with you, or are you an advocate for a more unexpected choice like Dorota?
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While the allure of Gossip Girl may have faded, the discussions it sparks remain timeless. Whoever you think should have been Gossip Girl, one thing is clear: the conversations around it will last just as long as the series itself.
