Emily in Paris moves to Italy: Lead actress Lily Collins addresses Paris vs Rome ‘feud’, says ‘Never expected it’

Emily in Paris Season 5

The premiere of Emily in Paris Season 5 turned Paris’ legendary Grand Rex theatre into a sparkling celebration, reminding everyone just how deeply the series has embedded itself in pop culture.

Cast members arrived in full glamour, joined by Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and creator Darren Star, who had even more reason to celebrate — only hours earlier, he had been honoured with France’s prestigious Legion of Honour by President Emmanuel Macron.

The timing could not have been more perfect for a show that has made Paris its beating heart.

The event gathered a dazzling line-up of familiar faces. Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Lucas Bravo, Lucien Laviscount, and Eugenio Franceschini all graced the red carpet, alongside exciting newcomers Minnie Driver and Michele Laroque.

The energy felt warm and familiar as returning cast members Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, Paul Forman, and Arnaud Binard joined in, making the night feel like a true reunion.

This season begins with a bold twist. The opening episodes whisk Emily away to Rome, where she embraces la dolce vita, juggles responsibilities at the Grateau office, and enjoys her blossoming Italian romance with Marcello.

Even so, Darren Star assured fans that Paris hasn’t taken a back seat — the city remains integral to Emily’s journey.

Dressed in a striking black Armani gown, Lily Collins delighted the audience with a playful anecdote about a light-hearted “feud” between President Emmanuel Macron and Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri, sparked by the show's new Italian storyline. “I never expected in a million years we would be a part of a European political love triangle," she joked.

Also Read: Lily Collin starrer Netflix rom-com Emily in Paris season 5 to stream on December 18, here’s what’s new this season

Adding to the fun, Darren Star teased the possibility of Emmanuel Macron himself appearing on the show after Brigitte Macron’s cameo in Season 4. “I asked him, so let’s see what happens!" he said, earning plenty of smiles.

Reflecting on how the series became a global comfort watch, Ted Sarandos spoke candidly about its unexpected impact during lockdown. “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," he said.