In a delightful turn of events that took both fans and industry insiders by surprise, Penn Badgley, renowned for his roles in hits like "You" and "Gossip Girl," found himself not on the streets of Manhattan or the halls of a mysterious bookstore, but rather, in the pulsating world of Ariana Grande's latest music video, "The Boy Is Mine."
The 37-year-old actor, known for his magnetic presence on screen, took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the pop sensation for the unexpected opportunity. Sharing snippets from the set, Badgley revealed glimpses of the magic that unfolded behind the scenes as he immersed himself in Grande's musical universe.
Dressed in a suave ensemble comprising a crisp white dress shirt and tailored slacks, Badgley exuded charm as he shared the frame with Grande, who commanded attention in a sleek, Catwoman-esque costume. Alongside them stood music video director Christian Breslauer, capturing the essence of their collaboration with each shot.
But it wasn't all business on set—Badgley and Grande were caught in a candid moment, indulging in ice cream on a cozy couch surrounded by playful feline companions, adding a touch of whimsy to the video's climactic scenes.
In his heartfelt post, Badgley extended his gratitude to Grande for inviting him into her orbit, acknowledging the honor of sharing the screen with iconic figures like Brandy and Monica, whose 1998 hit serves as the inspiration for Grande's reimagined version.
Grande reciprocated the sentiment, offering fans a glimpse into the creative process with behind-the-scenes snaps and intimate moments shared with Badgley. From discussing the director's vision to capturing the electrifying chemistry between their characters, Grande showcased the meticulous attention to detail that went into crafting every frame of the music video.
"The Boy Is Mine," a reinterpretation of Brandy and Monica's beloved anthem, marks a departure for Grande, who revealed her penchant for "bad girl anthems" during an interview with Apple Music 1's Zane Lowe. With Badgley's unexpected cameo and Grande's magnetic performance, the music video promises to be a captivating fusion of nostalgia and modernity, inviting audiences to embark on a mesmerizing journey through sound and vision.
