The cameras are rolling again for Emily in Paris, but the return to set follows a somber note. Production for the latest season picked up just two days after assistant director Diego Borella sadly passed away while working on the show.
Cast members, including Lily Collins, who plays the charming Emily, were spotted filming a scene in Venice, Italy, on Saturday, August 23. She was joined by co-stars Eugenio Franceschini (Marcello), Ashley Park (Mindy), and Paul Forman (Nicolas). Photos, first shared by a prominent entertainment outlet, showed the group smiling in formal outfits, enjoying champagne on a gondola ride through the city’s famous canals. It was a picture of on-screen glamour, even as the team processed a real-life tragedy.
The news broke on Friday, August 22, that Mr. Borella had collapsed the night before. He was preparing another scene at the luxurious Hotel Danieli in Venice. Local newspapers reported that medical staff rushed to help but could not revive him. Diego Borella was declared dead at the scene. He was 47 years old.
The Netflix series briefly paused its production for Season 5, as reported by the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero. A representative for Paramount Television Studios later released a statement regarding Mr. Borella’s passing. "We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family," the representative said on Saturday. "Our hearts go out to this person’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time."
This summer, Emily in Paris has been filming its fifth season across beautiful locations in Rome and Venice. Viewers will remember that at the end of Season 4, Emily received a promotion. This led her to leave Paris to lead a new Italian division for Sophie’s luxury marketing agency. Her new love interest, Marcello, was also planning to return to his home country of Italy.
Even with Emily’s new journey taking her to Italy, the show won’t forget its roots in the City of Light. Show creator Darren Star told Deadline in 2024 that Emily’s move to Rome is not meant to be permanent. "She works in Rome sometimes," Star explained. "Sylvie’s company has an office in Rome. Emily is getting that started." He added, "I don’t necessarily think that means a permanent move — in my opinion, it’s definitely not permanent — to Rome. We are not leaving Paris."
Lily Collins, 36, has kept fans in the loop about her filming adventures through social media. She posted on Instagram earlier in August, "Officially begins the countdown, with a first look and premiere date for SEASON FIVE of @emilyinparis!" She added, "Emily’s Italian adventure continues, from cobblestones to canals."
Other familiar faces returning for Season 5 include Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Sylvie), Lucien Laviscount (Alfie), and Lucas Bravo (Gabriel).
The official description for the new season teases some bumps in the road for Emily. "Just when everything fits, a work idea goes wrong, and the consequences lead to heartbreak and professional stumbles," the synopsis states. "In search of stability, Emily embraces her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Facing conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper bonds, renewed clarity, and a desire to embrace new possibilities."
Get ready for more style, romance, and drama when Emily in Paris Season 5 arrives on Netflix on December 18.