Gossip Girl Shocker: Penn Badgley Reveals Who Should’ve Been The Real Gossip Girl Instead Of Dan

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Penn Badgley shares his thoughts on one of the most debated plot twists in Gossip Girl, revealing who he thinks was the real mastermind behind the blog. The TV series, airing on The CW from 2007 to 2012, depicted the lives of wealthy Manhattan teenagers and the mysterious figure who exposed their secrets through a popular blog. In its final season, Gossip Girl left viewers in shock as it was revealed that the character played by Badgley, Dan Humphrey from Brooklyn, had been Gossip Girl, a revelation that still sparks differing opinions among viewers and critics.

According to Badgley, in an episode of Alex Cooper’s podcast, Call Her Daddy, he shared insights about the controversial twist in Gossip Girl. Although he acknowledged the reasoning behind the decision from a production standpoint, the actor revealed that he and the cast thought Dorota (played by Zuzanna Szadkowski) would make an ideal Gossip Girl. When Cooper suggested Rufus, Dan’s father, as the blogger, Badgley explained that the character needed to be a series regular because, in his words, “They needed to be one of the core six. Otherwise, nobody cares.

It didn’t matter who it was for anyone. But we all collectively wanted it to be Dorota. She needed to be a regular in the series. She needed to be among the main six characters. If not, no one would have cared much about it.

What This Means For Gossip Girl’s Legacy

The Reveal Remains Controversial And Memorable

Badgley’s remarks fuel the ongoing discussion about the contentious choice made on “Gossip Girl.” While certain viewers admire the poetic twist of Dan becoming a part of the high-class society he once criticized, others find it unrealistic and out of character, particularly since Gossip Girl frequently focused on Dan and his loved ones. Badgley’s endorsement of Dorota as the perfect choice for Gossip Girl reflects the audience’s desire for a plot twist centered around a beloved secondary character, which might have evoked stronger emotions, maintained consistency in tone, and offered more depth to both characters and the show’s themes of loyalty and self-identity.

Reimagining Dorota as Gossip Girl would have given an interesting twist to the series, keeping the layered class commentary and giving a beloved character their due. This change wouldn’t have asked viewers to accept Dan’s long-term obliviousness in light of his secret identity. As a constant presence in the lives of Manhattan’s elite, Dorota had the credibility and stealth that would have fit Gossip Girl perfectly. By exposing that the twist at the end was due to contractual obligations and network demands, Badgley demonstrates how surprise value and franchise objectives sometimes overruled narrative sense in the show’s final scenes.

Our Take On Dorota As Gossip Girl

A Fun What If That Might Have Worked Better

Years after its finale, the conclusion of “Gossip Girl” remains a topic of discussion, underscoring the show’s enduring influence on pop culture. The fact that Badgley is open to discussing alternate endings, particularly those favoring Dorota, highlights the depth of consideration given to the climax from every angle. This also indicates the respect and recognition for the lesser-known character who, though often in the background, played a crucial role in the storyline and evoked strong emotions. His remarks offer a glimpse into how production constraints in television, such as the need for a revelatory moment that resonates with series regulars, frequently influence decisions rather than adhering to internal show logic.

In the wake of the revival of “Gossip Girl” on Max failing to live up to the original’s influence, Badgley’s remarks underscore the importance of resolving long-standing mysteries effectively. The fact that fans continue to engage with it is evidence of “Gossip Girl’s” lasting impact in popular culture.

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2025-04-25 03:59