Penn Badgley Opens Up About Filming Risqué Scenes in “You”

Penn Badgley, known for his role in “Gossip Girl” and “You,” has shared candid details about shooting intimate scenes for the latter series. In his upcoming book, “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age”, the actor recounts how one scene in Season 3 involved extensive “humping the air.”

Referring to a scene featuring his character Joe Goldberg with Victoria Pedretti’s character, Badgley describes a “fantasy sequence” where Joe’s mind drifts between his wife and an imagined love interest. The scene was shot with the director choosing a camera angle directly in front of his face, creating a challenging filming environment. Due to limited space, Badgley had to perform solo, simulated sex on a fake bed while surrounded by crew, wearing the same nude thong throughout.

Initially, the scene was supposed to be shot with him looking directly into the camera. However, logistical constraints meant he had to adapt, now facing the lens—a situation he describes as his automatic reflex. “I had to hump my ass off, effectively on air, on a fake bed, with no one in front of me,” he explains, emphasizing his professionalism despite the absurdity.

In addition to his account, Badgley highlighted that he remained professional, performing each scene with dedication, even when facing unusual circumstances. The actor also acknowledged the support of an intimacy coordinator, which helped make the process smoother, transforming what could have been awkward into a choreographed dance.

His book, releasing October 14, offers more insights into his acting experiences and personal reflections on love and growth.