Penn Badgley Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of “You”

Penn Badgley has opened up about the unique challenges he faced while filming a notable sex scene for the hit series “You.” In his forthcoming book, Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age, co-authored with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari, Badgley shares insights into the creative process and the lengths actors go to bring scenes to life. The book is set to be released on October 14, 2023.

During a recent interview with Vulture, Badgley discussed a scene from Season 3 where his character, Joe Goldberg, is supposed to be intimate with his wife, Love, portrayed by Victoria Pedretti. However, the moment takes a turn as Joe finds himself bored and fantasizes about his flirtation with librarian Marienne Bellamy, played by Tati Gabrielle.

The director, Silver Tree, informed Badgley that due to space constraints, he would have to simulate the act alone. He described the experience as both surreal and comedic. “I found myself humping the air on a fake bed, surrounded by a film crew,” he recounted.

For this particular scene, Badgley was not only wearing a “flimsy” nude thong but also had to perform while facing the camera directly—something he usually avoids to maintain the integrity of a take. He elaborated on the absurdity of the situation, saying, “Upon the utterance of one word — action — I am supremely present in the face of sheer absurdity.”

He recalled how the crew shared a moment of laughter before focusing on the task at hand. Badgley knelt on a thin mattress, with a large camera rig hovering above him, creating an environment that he humorously referred to as his “pretend lover” for the scene.

This candid glimpse into the filming process provides a deeper understanding of the complexities actors navigate while creating compelling narratives. Badgley’s reflections not only highlight the challenges of filming intimate scenes but also offer a glimpse into the creative choices that shape modern storytelling.

With its mix of humor and vulnerability, Crushmore promises to be an engaging read for fans and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of television production. The book is likely to resonate with readers eager for personal stories about love and the trials of growing up in the public eye.