‘Emily in Paris’ Star Lily Collins on Sparking a Feud Between the French Capital and Rome With Season 5 Location: ‘I Never Expected in a Million Years We’d Be Part of a European Political Love Triangle’
“Emily in Paris” has grown up. The series celebrated its anticipated Season 5 at a big premiere at the Grand Rex theater in Paris, with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and the series creator Darren Star, just a few hours after receiving the prestigious Legion of Honor from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Sarandos and Star were joined by the hit show’s dashing cast dressed in full fashion, including Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Lucas Bravo, Lucien Laviscount, Eugenio Franceschini and series newcomer Minnie Driver and Michele Laroque. The rest of the cast, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, Paul Forman and Arnaud Binard were also there.
While the first two episodes that screened at the premiere unfold in Rome – where Emily (Collins) has just moved to run the Grateau office and live the dolce vita with her Italian beau Marcello — Star told the crowd to rest assured that the show returns to Paris later on.
Collins, radiant in a black Armani gown, joked about the playful feud that sparked between Macron and Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri after the French president vowed to “fight hard” to keep the show in Paris upon hearing that it would relocate to the Italian capital.
“I never expected in a million years we would be a part of a European political love triangle,” Collins said with a laugh.
After Brigitte Macron, the French first lady, who made a cameo in Season 4, Emmanuel Macron could be next, Star teased. “I asked him, so let’s see what happens!” he said.
While on stage to kick off the premiere, Sarandos spoke about the “Emily in Paris” journey since its launch in the thick of the pandemic in 2020 and the ways in which it’s turned into a cultural phenomenon.
“When Emily first came on the scene, the world was a very different place. We were stuck at home. We were looking for a connection. We were looking for a little escapism. And ‘Emily in Paris’ was just the ticket,” Sarandos said. “This incredible show from Darren Star arrived just in the right moment to remind people why they love Paris and inspired many people to dream of their own Paris adventure,” he continued, admitting that his wife Nicole was “one of Emily’s biggest fans.”
“And since then, Emily in Paris has become a global sensation. It’s igniting conversation about culture and fashion and friendship,” he said, before adding, “The fruit of remarkable is how ‘Emily in Paris’ has deepened the cultural conversation between France and the world — It even sparked a very friendly rivalry with Italy over which country would claim the heart of Emily.”
Before coming on stage, Collins also talked about the show “growing up” beyond escapism and seeing her character becoming more mature.
“Every year it really does feel like Emily learns more and more and grows as a person,” Collins says. “She has the inner confidence that maybe she lacked in season one in terms of stepping into a new job and a new city and new friends,” she said. “This year was really special to see her taking on new challenges and also being okay with vulnerability more, which I think is a real strength of Emily. So this year was really fun letting go of the perfection more.”
Leroy-Beaulieu, whose character Sylvie reveals more emotional fragility this season, welcomed the shift in tone. “It’s about breaking the armor,” she said. “Under the comedy, there’s loneliness, doubt, insecurity — and strength. That paradox is beautiful.”
Ashley Park, wearing custom Dolce & Gabbana with Chopard jewels, agreed. “The writers outdo themselves every year,” she said. “There’s more love, more drama, and it’s really unexpected. The stakes are higher because these characters have history now.”
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Lily Collins and Ashley Park
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This season is also racier than previous ones, bringing the show closer to “Sex and the City.” Lucien Laviscount, who plays Alfie – Emily’s British on-and-off boyfriend — teased, “This season’s sexy. Things get steamy.”
Eugenio Franceschini, who plays Marcello, recalled a whirlwind audition opposite Collins with whom he appears to have a strong chemistry. “I flew from the Alps to Paris overnight,” he said. “She was amazing — kind, humble. The perfect partner.”
Bravo, who plays hunky French chef Gabriel, promised a lighter, sexier version of his character in this new season. “We wanted fun,” he said, looking swank in a Brioni suit. “That’s what people want when they watch this show.” As for Emily? “I always root for love,” he added. “But maybe everyone ends up alone. That’s the modern world.”
Star, meanwhile, said Season 5 was his favorite so far. “There’s a lot of story this season,” he said. “There’s a strong storyline that continues throughout, with surprising turns and new relationships. Emily really grows as a character. The show grows up a little bit.”
“Emily in Paris” is executive produced by Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, Andrew Fleming, Stephen Brown, Alison Brown, Robin Schiff, Grant Sloss and Joe Murphy. Co-executive producers are Stephen Brown, Grant Sloss and Murphy. Producers are Ryan McCormick, Raphaël Benoliel, Collins, Jake Fuller.
All 10 episodes of “Emily in Paris”‘s Season 5 are launching on Dec. 18.
