You Cast Reacts to Penn Badgley’s Joe Getting Shot in the Groin
After five seasons of Joe tormenting his romantic interests, You delivered its karmic justice by shooting the fictional serial killer in a particularly sensitive area.
The final season of the popular Netflix series, which premiered on Thursday, April 24, concluded with Joe (Penn Badgley) fleeing into the woods after Bronte (Madeline Brewer), the latest object of his affection. The two confronted each other, and just before Joe was apprehended, Bronte shot him in the penis.
A voiceover pointed out that the internet had been quick to create memes comparing Joe to a Ken Doll. Even as Joe faced imprisonment for his crimes, his supporters remained. In exclusive interviews with Us Weekly at the You red carpet premiere on Wednesday, April 23, various cast members shared their thoughts on Joe’s fate — and that shocking incident.
Charlotte Ritchie, who portrayed Kate, expressed her support for Joe behind bars rather than facing death, stating, “I don’t believe in the death penalty, and I don’t think he should just die. I sometimes wonder if he lacks a part of him that allows for self-reflection — it’s unfortunate that he never seems to have those inward moments. Yet, that seems fitting for him; he doesn’t appear capable of it.”
The actress, 35, emphasized that Joe still evaded responsibility for his actions. “At the end, he’s not even vaguely capable of placing blame on himself,” she commented before addressing Joe’s brutal injury. “I thought, ‘Wow, that’s intense. Symbolically, it’s essential. However, it’s his mind that poses the real danger — his capacity to manipulate and control others is far more frightening.”
Ritchie continued: “In a way, it’s symbolic, but he still retains his manipulative nature. His heart and mind may evolve, but what happens to his penis is inconsequential.”
Elizabeth Lail expressed satisfaction that Joe received his comeuppance. “I want to believe in the justice system — especially today. I trust in justice and due process, so I like to think that’s the ideal outcome,” said Lail, 33, who played Joe’s first victim, Beck. “He’s been redeemed, but I’ll admit I sometimes wish they would just eliminate him.”
Season 5 newcomer Tom Francis echoed that sentiment, describing Joe’s injury as “very appropriate” for his character. Meanwhile, Natasha Behnam, aka Dominique, expressed to Us, “His imprisonment strikes a balance that satisfies everyone. If he had died, there would have been outrage. At least he’s locked away, where he can’t harm anyone else. That’s my perspective.”
Amy-Leigh Hickman also shared her thoughts after reprising her role as Nadia from season 4, stating to Us, “This marks the end for him. He can no longer continue being the abominable masculine figure he has been for five seasons.”
Hickman, 27, praised You for opting for some form of punishment. “No matter the ending, there would have been another perspective,” she acknowledged. “A large portion of the audience wouldn’t have felt content. However, in this case, he has to live with his actions and face them.”
Pete Ploszek concurred with his co-stars, stating that Joe’s prison sentence represents “him grappling with his deeds,” adding, “The notion of him staying alive but being imprisoned — not to mention rendered utterly infertile — is perhaps the toughest path for him.”
You is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
