Lucas Bravo, the French actor known for portraying chef Gabriel in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, is set to return for the show's fifth season, much to the surprise of fans. This announcement comes despite Bravo's previous public criticism of the show's scripts and the direction of his character, which he described as having transformed into "guacamole." The producers have decided to keep chef Gabriel as one of the suitors for the protagonist, Emily, played by Lily Collins.
Filming for the fifth season is scheduled to commence in May 2025, with locations including Rome, Italy, and the French capital, Paris. This change in scenery reflects the show's ongoing narrative expansion, which began to introduce Italy as a new backdrop in the fourth season.
Bravo's criticism of the series was vocalized during interviews following the release of the fourth season. He expressed his frustration with how his character had evolved, stating, "In the first season, there was a lot of me in him. But as they [the direction] left him somewhat unconscious of what was around him, always playing the victim and completely lost in translation, it wasn't fun for me to film or watch a character I love so much being slowly transformed into guacamole." His comments were made to IndieWire, where he further questioned his desire to continue in the role.
Despite his earlier doubts, Bravo's return is confirmed alongside a majority of the main cast. Lily Collins will reprise her role as Emily, and other returning actors include Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Ashley Park as Mindy, Samuel Arnold as Julien, Bruno Gouery as Luc, William Abadie as Antoine Lambert, Lucien Laviscount as Alfie, and Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello. Notably absent from the cast list is Camille Razat, who plays Camille, marking a significant shift in the series dynamics.
The absence of Camille is expected to create a void in the show's emotional landscape, as her character has been a central figure since the beginning. This departure hints at potential new storylines and character developments, particularly in the love triangles that have characterized the series.
As the fifth season approaches, anticipation is high among fans. The new episodes are expected to be released between November and December 2025, following the traditional Netflix pattern of launching new seasons a few months after filming concludes.
In addition to Bravo's return, the producers have promised fresh and exciting developments in the storyline. The narrative will continue to explore Emily's professional challenges at the Agence Grateau marketing agency, alongside her romantic entanglements. The choice of Rome as a key location will not only provide stunning visuals but also introduce new cultural elements that Emily will have to navigate.
Since its debut in 2020, Emily in Paris has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing trends in fashion and tourism. The show's portrayal of Parisian life has drawn millions of viewers, with the fourth season achieving 19.9 million views within just four days of its release. The addition of Italian scenery is expected to further enhance the show's appeal, potentially boosting tourism in both cities.
Emily's journey in the upcoming season will see her take on a managerial position at the new Agence Grateau branch in Rome, presenting her with unique challenges as she adapts to a new culture and city. Her relationship with Marcello, played by Franceschini, is anticipated to be a focal point, while the love triangle involving Gabriel and Alfie may see new developments.
Bravo's return, despite his earlier critiques, suggests a willingness to engage with the character's evolution. The series' creators have a history of addressing feedback and adapting the narrative to keep it fresh and engaging for the audience. As the production gears up for filming, the excitement surrounding Emily in Paris remains palpable, with fans eager to see how these changes will unfold.
In conclusion, Emily in Paris continues to captivate audiences with its blend of romance, comedy, and cultural exploration. The fifth season promises to bring new adventures for Emily Cooper, all set against the backdrop of two of Europe’s most iconic cities. As filming begins in May, viewers are left to wonder how the absence of Camille will affect the dynamics among the characters and what new surprises await in the storyline.
