You actor Penn Badgley rules out Season 3 fan theory about his mum

WARNING: Season 2 spoilers ahead!

Author: Alex RossPublished 29th Jan 2020
Last updated 6th Apr 2020

If like us you have already binged out on Netflix series You, you'll be eagerly awaiting series three after main actor Penn Badgley confirmed the popular show's return.

WARNING: Before you read any further, please be aware that this article contains major spoilers from You season 1 and 2.

Unlike season 1, the second series of the Netflix show was filmed out in Los Angeles, with main character Joe Goldberg attempting to leave his dark New York past behind whilst falling for Love Quinn.

As the series goes on, Joe, or Will Bettelheim's as he goes by in season 2, gets himself into more sticky situations whilst trying to protect Love, including the murders of both Jasper and Henderson.

Is Joe's new neighbour his mum in You?

As the episodes go on, viewers are given a more in-depth look at Joe's childhood, with the introduction of his mother in the form of flashbacks.

So, when Joe appears to set his sights on his new next door neighbour in the final scene, viewers were convinced that the lady reading her book could in fact be Joe's mum.

In the scene, Joe chillingly narrates, ‘This is just the beginning, because this is where I had to be. Exactly where I had to be to meet you. There you were with your books and your sunshine. So close, but worlds away. I will figure out a way, a way to get to you. See you soon, neighbour.’

However, despite the wild theory being very believable, actor Penn has now shut down the claims, revealing the woman is definitely not his mum. Speaking to Bustle, the former Gossip Girl actor said, "She’s definitely not his mom. I can say that."

Check out all of the You cast below:

Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgely)

Of course, main character Joe returned for Season Two, where he escaped to Los Angeles after murdering Beck, Peach, Ron and Lou in Season One.


Penn is probably best known - aside from You - for his role in Gossip Girl, where he played Dan Humphrey and ended up being revealed as the eponymous Gossip Girl. He also appeared in films John Tucker Must Die and Easy A, amongst others.

Candace (Ambyr Childers)

She played the role of Joe's ex-girlfriend Candace in Season One, and actress Ambyr Childers also appears in Season Two, but this time in real life, not just in Joe's head. Ambyr has starred in various films, but is best known for her roles in You and All My Children as Colby Chandler.

Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti)

After fleeing to Los Angeles, Joe met his brand new love interest... in the form of Love Quinn - quite the ironic name! Love ended up being just as unhinged as Joe, and there was a shock twist at the end... Which we'll keep on the DL in case you've not seen it yet!


Victoria had a bumper 2019, not only landing the main role of Love in You but also portraying a member of the Manson Family in Quentin Tarantino's blockbuster, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She also starred in The Haunting of Hill House as Nell Crain in 2018, and will appear in the sequel The Haunting of Bly Manor as Dani.

Forty Quinn (James Scully)

Actor James Scully plays the role of Love Quinn's brother, Forty Quinn. His character is described as, "Confident, opinionated and privileged — at his best, a charming buddy; at his worst, a razor-sharp bully."


James is best known for his role on You, but also had a small role in series Quantico and 9-1-1, as well as a larger role on Heathers.

Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail)

Guinevere, or Beck, was a main character in season one, appearing as a guest in season 2. She was a student and aspiring writer, who became the obsession of Joe in the first season and eventually his girlfriend, before finding out the truth... Sadly, she didn't survive and he killed her. She briefly appeared in the second series in Joe's hallucinations. Elizabeth also played the role of Anna in Once Upon A Time.

Peach Salinger (Shay Mitchell)

Shay played Beck's best friend Peach in the first season - and was also in love with her, but this was sadly unrequited, as she just loved her as a friend. Peach became jealous and suspicious of Joe - and when they had a huge fight, he killed her. Shay has also starred in Pretty Little Liars, The Possession of Hannah Grace and Dollface.

Gabe Miranda (Charlie Barnett)

Charlie Barnett plays the role of Love Quinn's best friend in You Season Two. Best known for being star of Netflix series Russian Doll, Charlie also starred in Chicago Fire, Orange Is the New Black and Tales of the City as well as Arrow.

Delilah (Carmela Zumbado)

Actress Carmela Zumbado took on the role of investigative journalist Delilah, and it didn't take her long to realise something is funny about Joe. Carmela has also starred in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and NCIS: New Orleans.

Ellie Alves (Jenna Ortega)

You'll probably recognise Jenna Ortega from Jane The Virgin, but now she's landed the role of teenager Ellie Alves in You, Delilah's younger sister. She also had a small role in Iron Man 3, Elena of Avalor, Stuck in the Middle and CSI: NY.

Will Bettelheim (Robin Lord Taylor)

Although the character of Will was kept quite mysterious ahead of the second series being released, we now know that he's a hacker who deals with 'unsavory' things. Joe assumes his identity for a while.


Robin had a small part in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Law & Order, Life on Mars, The Good Wife The Walking Dead and Gotham.

Dottie Quinn (Saffron Burrows)

Saffron Burrows joined the show in the second season as Love and Forty's mum Dottie, who is revealed to also be a dodgy character. She has a strained relationship with both of her children thanks to the secret trauma they went through.


Saffron has been in a number of high profile films over the years, but might be best known for her roles in Deep Blue Sea, Enigma, Troy, Boston Legal and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..

Dr. Nicky (John Stamos)

Dr. Nicky was Beck's therapist in the first season, and had a guest role in the second. He also treated Joe, and when Joe discovered his affair with Beck, Joe framed him for the murders of Peach, Beck and Beck's other lover, Benji.


John is well-known in US TV, having starred in General Hospital, Full House, ER, Glee and Scream Queens, amongst others.

Of course, Joe appeared to have met his match in Love, with viewers finding out she not only killed her brother Forty's girlfriend when she was just a teenager, but she was also responsible for the murders of Joe's neighbour Delilah, and his ex-girlfriend Candace.

You season 3 is expected on Netflix later in the year. You can watch season 1 and 2 on Netflix right now.

Re-jig your memory with everything that happened in You series 2 right here.

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