Penn Badgley says he’s limiting any lovemaking scenes involving him and his female co-stars for the fourth season of ‘You.’ The actor says it is out of respect for his marriage.
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In an episode of Stitcher Studios’ “Podcrushed” podcast, Penn Badgley explained that he asked the showrunner to reduce the number of sex scenes he would have to film for season four. “I asked Sera Gamble, [the] creator, ‘Can I just do no more intimacy scenes?’ This was actually a decision I had made before I took the show. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it publicly, but one of the main things is, do I want to put myself back on a career path where I’m always [the] romantic lead?” he explained.
‘FIDELITY IN EVERY RELATIONSHIP, ESPECIALLY IN A MARRIAGE, IS IMPORTANT TO ME’
WATCH: American actor Penn Badgley explains in his recent podcast why there’s less intimate scenes in the fourth season of the psychological thriller series “You.” | 🎥: PODCRUSHED/Instagram pic.twitter.com/uUoDvS2cbm
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) February 11, 2023
He also didn’t want to be typecast as a romantic lead throughout his career: “This was actually a decision I had made before I took the show. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it publicly, but one of the main things is, ‘Do I want to put myself back on a career path where I’m always [the] romantic lead? Fidelity in every relationship, especially my marriage, is important to me. It just got to a point where I don’t want to do that.”
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The showrunner reportedly respected Badgley’s request and appreciated his honesty about what made him comfortable on set.
“But I signed this contract. I signed up for this show. I know what I did. You can’t take this aspect out of the DNA of the concept. So how much less can you make it, was my question to them. She didn’t even bat an eye. She was really glad that I was that honest. She was sort of almost, I want to say empowered, she had a really positive response. They came back with a phenomenal reduction.”
Fans reacted to Badgley’s request; some said they supported his decision, while others believed the intimate scenes were a part of the show.
After learning about the lack of intimacy scenes between Joe Goldberg and other characters for this season of “You,” fans were divided on his decision as some supported it. In contrast, others thought it was unnecessary to remove the scenes.
i actually respect penn badgley so much & i hope more directors stop creating so many intimate scenes in normal movies & shows
— ︎Mekhi (@mekhirandle) February 11, 2023
penn badgley had every right to choose not to do any intimate scenes in you season 4, he’s married & he has respect for his wife. he has set boundaries, which is imo a right thing to do & its VERY respectful towards his wife & his marriage. #YouNetflix
— teodora ♡ೄྀ࿐ (@heiroffiree) February 10, 2023
I am. Disappointed. Lol
The job is to act. If it serves the story, why avoid it? Also. She knew that he was an actor when they met. And he knew when he started acting, it would involve intimacy.— Cat Ouellette (@CatOuellette) February 10, 2023
Honestly I’m thinking the same ??? Every actor or actress knows getting into the industry they’re probably going to have to step in a completely different person, and it has nothing to do with their outside reality; it’s a character they’re playing
— pan princess ✨ (@pvssypo3try) February 10, 2023
Being disappointed in an actors personal decision is wild. Has nothing to do with the audience. Not everything has to be shown or said for the audience to know and understand what has happened or is happening. You probably didn’t even notice it until this article as well.
— haunbulla (@hypehaun) February 11, 2023