Lily Collins never expected her Netflix show to cause an international incident. But here we are.
At the Paris premiere for Emily in Paris Season 5 on Monday night, Lily Collins joked about the unexpected political drama her show sparked between France and Italy. “I never expected in a million years we would be a part of a European political love triangle,” she told the crowd at the Grand Rex theatre.
It all began when French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to “fight hard” to keep Emily in Paris after hearing that Season 5 will feature the character spending time in Rome. Roberto Gualtieri, the mayor of Rome, responded, saying Emily was welcome in the Eternal City. Suddenly, a rom-com about an American marketing exec became a matter of European pride.
Creator Darren Star found the whole situation brilliant. He even joked that Emmanuel Macron himself might appear in Season 5, after Brigitte Macron had her own cameo in Season 4. “I asked him, so let’s see what happens,” Star said.
The new season drops on Netflix December 18, and yeah, Emily’s properly moved to Rome. She’s running Agence Grateau’s new Italian office whilst dating Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini.
But Star was quick to reassure the premiere crowd that Paris isn’t being abandoned. “Emily’s going to have a presence in Rome,” he explained. “It doesn’t mean she’s not going to be in Paris.”
The first two episodes screened at the premiere are set entirely in Rome. Emily’s living la dolce vita with Marcello, working from the new office, and apparently causing chaos as usual.
But the show has everyone back in Paris as the season goes on. For the premiere, Lily Collins donned a gorgeous black Giorgio Armani Privé gown to fully embody the fashion icon her character is pretending to be. She said Emily is “bolder, braver, stronger” this season. “She’s in a new city and a new country, and trying to find her way in life, love and work.”
The cast was out in full force. Ashley Park in a custom Dolce & Gabbana. Lucas Bravo in Brioni, referring to a “lighter, sexier” Gabriel. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu on breaking through Sylvie’s armour to expose some vulnerability.
Earlier that day, Star had received France’s highest civilian award from President Macron himself: the Legion of Honour. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was in attendance to celebrate. Not shabby for a show that the critics originally ignored as frivolous fluff.
Season 5 is Star’s favourite to date. “This season, there’s a lot of story,” he said. “The show matures a little bit.”
Whether Emily ends up in Paris or Rome permanently, one thing’s for sure: she has politicians fighting over her now. That’s quite the promotion from social media marketing.
Season 5 premieres December 18 on Netflix. Ten episodes. Two cities. And hopefully, no more international incidents.
