Filming for the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris has come to a sudden halt following the tragic death of assistant director Diego Borella. The sad news arrived as the show was shooting its fifth season in Italy. Borella was 47 years old.
The incident unfolded on Friday, August 22nd, when Borella collapsed while working on a scene. This happened at the grand Hotel Danieli in Venice. Local newspaper La Repubblica reported that medical staff were on site and tried their best to save him. Sadly, their efforts were not enough. A local doctor confirmed Borella’s passing at the scene.
A spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios shared their grief on Saturday, August 23rd. They told a prominent entertainment news outlet, "We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family. Our thoughts are with the person’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time." Another local paper, Il Messaggero, reported that Netflix immediately stopped filming the remaining episodes.
A Season of Change and Loss
The show, created by Darren Star, who also brought us Sex and the City, was capturing new scenes in picturesque Italian cities like Rome and Venice. Viewers follow Emily, played by 36-year-old Lily Collins, as she navigates a new life in Paris, working in luxury marketing.
At the end of the fourth season, Emily left the City of Light for Rome. She went with her new love interest, Marcello, played by 33-year-old Eugenio Franceschini. Before Borella’s death, Lily Collins had been sharing excited peeks from behind the scenes on her social media. On Wednesday, October 20th, she posted on Instagram, announcing the fifth season’s premiere. She wrote, "The countdown officially begins, with a first look and premiere date for @emilyinparis SEASON FIVE. Emily’s Italian adventure continues, from cobblestones to canals, on December 18."
Lily Collins during the filming of season 5. Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix
In the preview shared by Collins, she was seen exploring Venice alongside co-stars Eugenio Franceschini, Ashley Park (Mindy Chen), and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Sylvie Grateau). Lucien Laviscount (Alfie) and Lucas Bravo (Gabriel) are also set to return for the new season.
The official synopsis for the upcoming episodes hints at more drama. "Just when everything seems to fit, a work idea goes wrong. The consequences lead to heartbreak and professional setbacks," it explains. "Emily adapts to her French lifestyle, seeking stability. But a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Facing conflict with honesty, Emily finds deeper connections. She gains renewed clarity and is ready to embrace new possibilities."
Despite Emily’s Italian detour, creator Darren Star, 64, has assured fans that Paris remains central. He told Deadline in 2024, "From time to time she works in Rome. Sylvie’s company has an office there. Emily is helping to set it up. I don’t necessarily think that means a permanent move — in my opinion, it’s definitely not permanent — to Rome. We’re not leaving Paris."
Season 5 of Emily in Paris is scheduled to premiere on December 18th on Netflix.