“You just become a monster over time”: Outer Banks star J. Anthony Crane teases Chandler Groff’s villainous arc in season 5

J. Anthony Crane, who plays Chandler Groff in Outer Banks, teased the character’s villainous evolution in Season 5, saying,

“You just become a monster over time.”

In Season 4 of Outer Banks, we see Groff as the main antagonist. He was revealed to be a false heir of Goat Island and the father of JJ. In an interview with The Direct the actor behind the character reveals that the character's arc can take a darker turn in season 5 continuing his ruthless pursuit of power.

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The actor suggested a darker twist for Chadler Groff's character in Outer Banks in Season 5

In season 4, JJ Maybank discovers that Chandler Groff is his biological father. With Groffs's complex history, this news changes JJ's perception of his identity. JJ has always considered himself a true Pogue but it turns out he is Kook by blood as his mother Larissa Genrette, belonged to the wealthy Genrette family. Groff had manipulated his way into the Genrette family for financial gain married Larissa and killed her leaving JJ to be raised by Luke Maybank.

"I think we'll probably get a chance this year to even explore more of that history."

The character when returns to the island murders his father-in-law and ultimately JJ. In the interview, Crane also mentioned how the crude society makes this monstrous transformation in Chandler. While it never bothered him much leaving his kids behind and doing what he was doing.

"He's found that it didn't bother him from an early age to do some of the things that the did, letting his child go, obviously what he did to his wife. I think that turned him ugly over time. You just become a monster over time. It's like Dorian Gray's painting after awhile. There's just nothing left that's pretty inside. So I think that's where he's at. I think we'll probably get a chance this year to even explore more of that history."

The actor further revealed that for season 4 they have shot in six or seven locations for Outer Banks Season 5.

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Chandler Groff's Character in Outer Banks and What Does it mean for the show

Groff's character as mentioned above is deeply intertwined with JJ's personal history and the treasure hunt that going on. His primary motive throughout the season is securing Goat Island and the Genrette family's wealth which he believes he is entitled to.

The character is on the path to turning into a menacing villain. His storyline depicts a class struggle but instead of making efforts to climb the social ladder, he chose to marry into a wealthy family. This turns him into a sociopath who values nothing. The character is in desperate pursuit of Blackbeard’s fabled Blue Crown treasure. Groff kills his own son by the end of season 5, setting up the Pogues’ revenge mission.

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All seasons of Outer Banks are streaming on Netflix with season 5 set to premiere in 2026.