Prior to embodying the complex character of Joe Goldberg, the sympathetic serial killer, on Netflix’s You, Penn Badgley appeared in a remake of the 1987 psychological horror film, The Stepfather, which premiered in 2009. In this movie, Badgley takes on the role of Michael Harding, a teenager who reunites with his mother ( portrayed by Emmy Award-winner Sela Ward) after military school. Upon his return, he discovers that she’s in a relationship with a seemingly wonderful man, played by Dylan Walsh.
Enthusiasts of Penn Badgley, who are eager to witness him in a role unlike his portrayal on You , will get their chance soon. The film “The Stepfather” is set to debut on the free streaming platform Tubi, beginning June 1st. Released in 2009, “The Stepfather” grossed only slightly over $31 million. Directed by Nelson McCormick (“Prom Night”) and written by J.S. Cardone (“The Marksman”), the movie had an estimated budget of approximately $20 million.
The 2009 movie “The Stepfather” is a new take on the 1987 film of the same title, previously directed by Joseph Ruben. The initial film featured Terry O’Quinn, Jill Schoelen, and Shelley Hack in leading roles.
Is the Stepfather a Killer?
In the movie, Michael, portrayed by Badgley, arrives home to discover his mother in a romance with an enigmatic man named David Harris, played by Walsh. Initially, everything appears harmonious until Susan’s neighbor (Nancy Linehan Charles) expresses concerns about David resembling a serial killer who had been highlighted on America’s Most Wanted. Suspicions mount against David when he inappropriately touches Susan’s younger son, Sean (Braeden Lemasters). The role of Michael’s girlfriend, Kelly Porter, is taken by Aquaman.
Actor Jon Tenney, known for The Closer, plays Susan’s former spouse, Jay, in the film. In addition, Sherry Stringfield, who was previously on ER, and Paige Turco, recognized from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II and III, are also part of the cast for The Stepfather. The movie has a 13% rating from critics and a 34% rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, with over 250,000 audience reviews.
The Stepfather (2009)
| Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score | IMDb Rating |
| 15% | 34% | 5.6/10 |
Badgley’s Netflix Hit Comes to an End
Previously, the actor had concluded his five-season portrayal of Joe Goldberg on the series “You”, based on Caroline Kepnes’ book series. The final season, which premiered on Netflix towards the end of April, concluded Joe’s story. Despite lower ratings compared to previous seasons, the fifth season of “You” was a global success, reaching No. 1 on Netflix’s charts in its debut week with 10.1 million views and amassing a total of 85.2 million hours viewed in 88 countries worldwide. It ranked as the top title in 37 territories during that particular week.
Warning: You Spoilers Ahead
Badgley had earlier expressed that he felt the fifth season, which served as the finale for the show, was a “true dismantling of Joe” according to him. In this final season, viewers witness the demise of Joe’s marriage with Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie), followed by his newfound love for Bronte (Madeline Brewster). The audience also sees Joe being unmasked as a murderer and confronting several of his past victims before ultimately getting shot in a vulnerable location by Bronte.
You is streaming on Netflix. The Stepfather will stream for free on Tubi starting June 1.
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2025-05-26 01:35