The production of Emily in Paris was struck by tragedy last week when assistant director Diego Borella collapsed and died while the Netflix series was filming its fifth season in Venice. He was 47.
According to Italian media reports, Borella fell ill around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday while preparations were underway for a sequence at the historic Hotel Danieli. On-set medics attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the location, with a “sudden heart attack” cited as the cause. Filming was immediately suspended and resumed two days later on Saturday.
Paramount Television Studios confirmed his passing in a statement shared with Variety: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family. Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Borella, a locally hired Italian third assistant director, had joined the crew for the Venice schedule. Season 5 production has travelled across several European cities this year, beginning in Rome in May, returning to Paris in June, and most recently moving to Venice in August. Netflix had unveiled the first images and premiere date for the upcoming season just days before the incident.
The show is created by Darren Star, who is well-known for his other shows, including Sex in the City, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place. Emily in Paris follows the journey of Emily Cooper, a driven American marketing executive who relocates to Paris to bring a fresh US perspective to a French marketing firm. As she navigates her new life in Paris, Emily faces challenges in her career, romantic relationships, and friendships, all while adapting to the city's unique culture.
The series stars Lily Collins, Lucas Bravo, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, and Camille Razat. The fourth season added actors Thalia Besson and Eugenio Franceschini to the cast.
New actors joining season 5 of Emily in Paris include Bryan Greenberg (Suits LA) as Jake, an American living in Paris; Michèle Laroque (Brillantissime) as Yvette, an old friend of Sylvie’s (Emily’s boss); and Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting, Will & Grace) as Princess Jane, a friend of Sylvie’s who married into a royal family.
Season 4 ofEmily in Paris ended with Sylvie (Leroy-Beaulieu) promoting Emily with her own office of Agence Grateau in Rome, making her shift from Paris to Italy. While she seems to be happy in her relationship with Marcello (Franceschini), Gabriel (Bravo) realises he must win Emily back before it is too late.
The plot details for the fifth season of Emily in Paris are currently under wraps, but Lily Collins has confirmed that her relationship with onscreen beau Marcello will be explored more in the season. Season 5 of Emily in Paris is set to premiere on the streamer on December 18.
