Penn Badgley, the enigmatic star of You and Gossip Girl, continues to captivate audiences with his introspective charm and reluctance to embrace fame. In a recent USA TODAY interview titled “In the Backseat with Penn Badgley,” the actor opened up about his career, the final season of You, and his thoughts on what lies ahead. Conducted while speeding down Manhattan’s West Side Highway, the conversation revealed a man wrestling with celebrity while striving for authenticity. Badgley mused about whether a car breakdown might spice up the interview, showcasing his knack for blending humor with introspection. As You Season 5 premieres on Netflix this week, fans are eager to see how Joe Goldberg’s story concludes, but Badgley’s focus seems to be on carving a path beyond the spotlight. Let’s dive into the latest updates on this multifaceted star.
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Penn Badgley Reflects on You and Fame
The final season of You, streaming as of April 24, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Penn Badgley. In the USA TODAY piece, he admitted to never leaning into what audiences expect, preferring roles that challenge perceptions. “I’ve certainly never leaned into what people want to see or hear,” he said, a mantra that defines his approach to Joe Goldberg, the charming yet terrifying antihero. Badgley’s portrayal has earned critical acclaim, but he’s candid about the toll of playing such a dark character. He’s also grappling with fame’s weight, a theme echoed in recent posts on X where he discussed how ex-girlfriend Blake Lively helped him navigate Gossip Girl’s sudden stardom. Badgley’s discomfort with celebrity is palpable—he described fame as something that “unsettles” him, a sentiment rooted in his early days as a child actor on Will & Grace at age 12.
A Personal Struggle: Body Dysmorphia Revelations
Beyond acting, Penn Badgley has been open about personal challenges, particularly his struggle with body dysmorphia. In April 2025, outlets like BuzzFeed and Socialite Life reported on his candid admissions. “I hated my body and wanted a different one,” he shared, highlighting a vulnerability that resonates with many. These revelations, posted widely on X, show Badgley’s willingness to address mental health, a topic he approaches with the same thoughtfulness as his roles. He’s careful with his words, often pausing to ensure clarity, as noted in the USA TODAY interview where he frequently used the phrase “and what I mean by that is.” This introspection makes him relatable, grounding his Hollywood persona in real human struggles.
Key Moments in Penn Badgley’s Recent Journey
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| You Season 5 Premiere | April 24, 2025 | Final season streams on Netflix, concluding Joe Goldberg’s story. |
| USA TODAY Interview | April 22, 2025 | Badgley discusses You, fame, and future plans in “In the Backseat” series. |
| Body Dysmorphia Comments | April 17-20, 2025 | Shares struggles with body image, sparking conversations on X. |
| Columbia University Appearance | April 2025 | Reflects on career and Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing. |
Penn Badgley Looks to the Future
What’s next for Penn Badgley? The USA TODAY interview hints at a desire to pivot from the intense roles that have defined his career. While You wraps up, Badgley is exploring projects that align with his values, particularly those tied to the “greater good.” He’s vocal about rejecting celebrity culture, a stance that sets him apart in an industry obsessed with visibility. The loss of Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away in February 2025 at 39, also weighed heavily on him. He recalled her laugh as a cherished memory, suggesting a period of reflection. On X, fans are buzzing about a virtual screening of You Season 5 hosted by Badgley on April 23, showing his commitment to engaging with supporters despite his fame-averse nature.
Why Penn Badgley Resonates in 2025
Badgley’s appeal lies in his authenticity. Whether he’s dissecting fame’s pitfalls or sharing personal struggles, he remains unapologetically himself. The USA TODAY interview captured this perfectly, with moments like Badgley vibing to Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” on the car radio, a nostalgic nod to simpler times. His story isn’t just about Hollywood—it’s about staying true in a world that demands performance. As he navigates the end of You and contemplates his next chapter, fans are hooked, not just by his talent but by his humanity. Will he take on another complex role, or pivot to something entirely new? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: Penn Badgley’s journey is far from over, and we’re all along for the ride.