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OK, Outer Banks fans, buckle up because this post will be filled with a lot of spoilers!
The Netflix show has become a fan favorite with four seasons (first airing in 2020), and many people are really invested in the characters. Two of the lead stars, Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, who play the roles of JJ and Kiara, respectively, have become the topic of much chatter because it is rumored that they are feuding in real life. The reports gained so much traction that there were even suggestions that they had used body doubles to film scenes together. The end of Season 4 also seemed to add fuel to the fire because (and look away now if you don’t want to be disappointed) JJ was killed off in the season finale!
While we mourn the loss of one of our favorite characters, we must also ask what the heck is going on behind the scenes? A recent report from Life & Style has shed light on the rumors with an insider claiming that Pankow and Bailey are “adamant that the rumors about them having body doubles because they refused to shoot together is completely off base.”
This seems like good news, right? At least they were professional enough to get the job done! But the fan theory is believable, as the insider acknowledges that “the way certain scenes were edited, it really does seem suspect. It wouldn’t be the first time that trick was used for two costars that weren’t getting along, but Rudy and Madison one hundred percent deny it.”
Rudy Pankow’s Character Update Leaves Everyone Emotional
The death of Panko’s character is reported to have deeply affected the cast, including Bailey.
“Madison seemed very broken up when it was time to say goodbye to Rudy,” the insider revealed. “Regardless of what drama went on between them, they shared a very special moment in time, and at one point they were very close, so to have him leaving is shaking her up and the rest of the cast.”
The rumors about the potential feud started after a scene in Season 4 that was supposed to share a tender and loving moment between the two characters. However, for some bizarre reason, the actors are not filmed in the same frame as they supposedly nestle into each other. The episode created an intense backlash on social media, and fans have been speculating about what has been happening since then.
Has Fan Speculation Added To The Reported Rift Between These Two Costars?
But could the intense fan interest in their character’s relationship and the desire for Bailey and Pankow to actually date in real life be one of the reasons their chemistry just seemed off in the latest season? We don’t have the answers, but it’s possible because fans have previously expressed how they would be perfect for each other (despite the pair dating other people). Bailey even addressed the comments in an Instagram Live, saying, “We never had any romantic relationship, and y’all are like, ‘They belong together.’ No, we don’t.”
For now, all we know is that the death of Rudy Pankow’s character has been a real punch to the gut. The actor recently made an Instagram post to honor his time on the show and expressed his gratitude. “Honestly words in general explaining 5 years of memories, blood, sweat and passion with this special cast, crew, writers, producers, artists aren’t possible,” he shared.
We aren’t crying; you are!
