Penn Badgley recently shared an unexpected yet fascinating link between his past and present television projects. During a set tour for Architectural Digest, the actor revealed that the same soundstages used for Netflix's psychological thriller 'You' were once utilized for filming 'Gossip Girl'. This revelation not only bridges two distinct genres of television but also highlights the evolution of Badgley's career from portraying privileged Manhattan teens to a more sinister character in contemporary thrillers.
This discovery extends beyond mere coincidence as it ties various iconic locations from both shows together. The eerie basement cage room in 'You' shares its origins with the luxurious Waldorf suites of 'Gossip Girl', while another stage once home to Dan Humphrey’s Brooklyn loft now hosts Joe Goldberg’s bookstore haunt. Badgley muses over these transformations, reflecting on how familiar settings have evolved over nearly two decades, questioning even if the trees around him have grown since he first started acting there.
The Evolution of Soundstages: From Glamorous Apartments to Sinister Basements
Badgley's observations about the transformation of these soundstages underscore the dramatic shift in narrative styles between 'Gossip Girl' and 'You'. What was once a backdrop for glamorous teenage drama has become a setting for psychological horror, symbolizing the broader changes within the entertainment industry itself. The juxtaposition of Blair Waldorf's upscale lifestyle against Joe Goldberg's grim reality adds depth to this comparison, highlighting how versatile these spaces can be when adapted for different storytelling needs.
In detailing these connections, Badgley paints a vivid picture of how physical environments adapt alongside evolving narratives. By linking the Waldorf suites to the unsettling cage room in 'You', he emphasizes the stark contrast between light-hearted teen dramas and darker psychological thrillers. This transition reflects not only shifts in genre preferences among audiences but also advancements in production techniques capable of transforming familiar spaces into entirely new worlds. As Badgley notes, such adaptations require careful consideration of spatial design elements like lighting, props, and overall atmosphere creation, ensuring each location aligns perfectly with its respective storyline requirements.
Personal Reflections on Career Growth Through Familiar Landscapes
Beyond discussing technical aspects, Badgley delves into personal reflections regarding his longstanding association with these locations. Standing amidst surroundings reminiscent of earlier days spent filming 'Gossip Girl', he contemplates whether natural features like nearby trees have changed over time. Such introspection reveals deeper layers of connection between actor and environment, suggesting that places hold memories influencing one's artistic journey.
His musings extend further by contemplating growth - both literal (trees growing taller) and metaphorical (personal development). For Badgley, revisiting these sites represents more than nostalgia; it signifies progression marked by adapting skills across varying roles and genres. From comfortable beginnings at Dan Humphrey's loft to crafting complex characters like Joe Goldberg, every step taken within these walls contributes meaningfully towards professional evolution. Ultimately, sharing insights into his thought processes provides viewers unique perspectives on blending creativity with practical considerations during filmmaking endeavors, making them feel closer connected to both artist and craft alike.