For the past 30 years, male characters have been depicted on screen as smooth-talking, charming, and often times, rewarded for their toxic behavior. It’s a narrative that we have seen play out time and time again, but Netflix’s hit series You is here to challenge that norm. In a recent interview with Newsweek, lead actor Penn Badgley opens up about his experience playing a character who doesn’t get a free pass for his actions.
“I’ve been playing boys who’ve been getting a free pass for 30 years,” Badgley tells Newsweek. This statement is a powerful reflection of the entertainment industry’s tendency to glorify toxic masculinity and romanticize dangerous behavior. However, Badgley’s character Joe Goldberg in You is a refreshing departure from this trend.
In the first season of You, viewers are introduced to Joe as a seemingly charming and likable bookstore manager. But as the story progresses, Joe’s true nature is slowly revealed. He becomes obsessed with a customer named Guinevere Beck, played by Elizabeth Lail, and will stop at nothing to make her his. Joe’s actions, which include stalking, manipulating, and even murder, are not portrayed as romantic or heroic, but rather as deeply disturbing.
This is a sharp contrast to other shows and movies where similar behaviors have been portrayed as something to aspire to. In a time where toxic masculinity is being called out and challenged in real life, You offers a much-needed commentary on the dangers of romanticizing it on screen.
Badgley’s portrayal of Joe is both chilling and captivating. He sheds his clean-cut image from his days on Gossip Girl and fully embodies the complex and troubled character. In the interview, he shares how he was drawn to the role precisely because it went against the type of characters he has played in the past.
“I was actually quite excited by the idea of playing somebody who is kind of the opposite of how I’ve been typecast,” Badgley says. “I was like, ‘Wow, I get to really do the opposite of that and I get to go somewhere I haven’t really gone before.'”
His dedication to the role is evident in every scene, and it’s clear that he understands the responsibility that comes with playing a character like Joe. Badgley’s commitment to portraying the complexities of the character shines through and makes for a truly captivating performance.
But beyond his acting skills, Badgley also recognizes the larger impact of the show’s message. He acknowledges the power that the entertainment industry holds in shaping the way people think and behave, especially when it comes to gender roles and relationships.
“We have a real responsibility to add some balance to the conversation and question why for 30 years have we been showing boys behaving like this and getting a free pass,” Badgley states.
You is not just a thriller series, but also a commentary on the societal norms that have been perpetuated through media for decades. It’s a reminder that we need to critically examine the messages we consume and how they shape our perceptions and behaviors.
Moreover, the show also delves into the complex relationship between social media and our sense of self. In today’s age of technology, where everything is shared and curated for the world to see, You raises important questions about privacy, consent, and the blurred lines between reality and perception.
Fans of the show have been quick to praise Badgley and the rest of the cast for their exceptional performances and the thought-provoking themes of the series. You has sparked important conversations and forced viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the society we live in.
In a time where representation and diversity are at the forefront of the entertainment industry, You stands out as a show that not only pushes boundaries but also challenges the status quo. It’s a bold and necessary move, and one that has been long overdue.
As we eagerly anticipate the release of the show’s second season, one thing is for sure – You is a game-changer in every sense of the word. It’s a show that is not afraid to hold up a mirror to society and confront the uncomfortable truths that we often choose to ignore. And for that, we have Penn Badgley and the rest of the cast and crew to thank for bringing this important story to life.
So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start binge-watching You on Netflix. Not only will you be on the edge of your seat, but you’ll also be
