The buzz surrounding Penn Badgley is louder than ever as 2025 unfolds. Just ahead of the final season of Netflix’s You, the actor has stepped back into the spotlight—this time not as Joe Goldberg, but as himself. Appearing on a fan-filled podcast event in New York City this week, Badgley opened up about the series that made him a streaming sensation and shared personal reflections that took everyone by surprise.
Penn Badgley Faces the End of ‘You’
April 24, 2025, marks the release of the final season of You, a psychological thriller that kept fans on edge since its debut. Badgley returns to New York in the story, mirroring his real-life connection to the city. As Joe Goldberg, he navigates the complexities of redemption, guilt, and an internal battle to break free from his past.
This time, the show introduces new characters and twists that bring the narrative full circle. While fans brace for a dramatic close, Badgley views the finale as a moment to pivot creatively—and personally.
Penn Badgley Gets Real About Fame and His Image
In a rare and deeply personal moment during a recent interview, Penn Badgley opened up about his struggle with body dysmorphia and the impact of public life. As a teen actor and heartthrob from Gossip Girl, the pressure to maintain a certain look weighed heavily on him.
He admitted that this internal battle persisted well into adulthood, especially during the early seasons of You. Yet, instead of giving in to Hollywood’s expectations, he’s chosen a different path—one rooted in honesty and personal growth.
His refusal to romanticize Joe Goldberg’s behavior is part of that evolution. Badgley emphasized the importance of separating fiction from reality, stating that he never wanted to glorify the disturbing tendencies of the character he portrayed.
Penn Badgley’s New Chapter: Creative Control and Conscious Content
With You behind him, Penn Badgley is focusing on building something more meaningful. His podcast is becoming a platform for real conversations—about fame, identity, and navigating life in the public eye. He’s also gearing up to develop new projects through his own production company, seeking stories that reflect depth rather than just drama.
Badgley wants to explore roles that challenge toxic norms and offer healing, rather than trauma. It’s no longer about just being seen—it’s about being understood and contributing to something lasting.
Here’s a look at what he’s prioritizing next:
| Future Focus | Details |
|---|---|
| Podcast Growth | More raw, honest dialogue with creators and thinkers |
| Production Company | Scripted projects that inspire and challenge |
| Personal Advocacy | Promoting mental health and positive body image narratives |
| Creative Control | Steering away from roles that glorify dysfunction |
Penn Badgley: The New Face of Moncler Spring 2025
Away from the screen, Penn has been making waves in fashion. He recently became the face of Moncler’s Spring 2025 campaign, blending streetwise charm with high-end style. Shot throughout New York’s most iconic neighborhoods, the campaign offers fans a glimpse into the grounded, stylish side of Badgley.
It’s a fitting role for someone redefining what a modern-day celebrity can look like: thoughtful, multi-talented, and unafraid to show vulnerability. Whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the mic, Penn Badgley is owning his narrative.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Penn Badgley?
So what does the future hold for the former Dan Humphrey and ex-Joe Goldberg? If you ask Penn, he’s just getting started. With a renewed focus on creativity, meaningful storytelling, and mental health advocacy, he’s not chasing roles anymore—he’s choosing them.
Expect to see him step into directing, producing, and leading conversations that matter. As fans, we’ve followed him through the dark corridors of fictional obsession. Now, we follow him into something far more real: reinvention, rooted in purpose.