Penn Badgley plays the lead role of Joe Goldberg in the Netflix series You.
Joe is a charming but deeply disturbed bookstore manager and serial killer who becomes obsessed with the people he falls in love with. Throughout the series, he uses social media, manipulation, and violence to control or eliminate those who stand in the way of his fantasies. His character is known for his internal monologues, which give viewers chilling insight into his justifications for his actions.
“I’ll meditate on a Quranic passage at night—it grounds me,” he said describing his simple routine in a USA TODAY interview.
This practice starkly contrasts his role as a manipulative person, offering fans a glimpse into how he balances his dark characters with personal spirituality.
While not Muslim, Badgley’s interest in the Quran aligns with his lifelong Baháʼí Faith, which values unity among religions. He emphasized the ritual isn’t about conversion but about seeking universal wisdom. “It reminds me of life’s bigger picture,” he said, calling the practice “a mental reset” from Hollywood’s chaos.
The actor, also a father, admits he’s “comically disorganized” by day but prioritizes this quiet nightly reflection. His admission has sparked curiosity among fans, many surprised by the contrast between his on-screen intensity and real-life contemplative side.
In an older interview clip that resurfaced online, he was seen holding or referencing the Quran, which sparked interest and speculation.
Many actors and public figures explore religious texts like the Quran out of a desire to understand different worldviews.
Actors often read religious or philosophical texts when preparing for roles that require cultural or spiritual depth.
In past interviews, Badgley has expressed interest in topics like justice, morality, and human behavior—areas often explored in religious texts.
However, there’s no evidence suggesting he s converted to Islam or practices it, and any claims beyond that would be speculative without confirmation from him directly.
