Emily in Paris becomes big (and takes a leap to Venice) After Rome, there is another Italian city ready to serve as the stage for the fifth season of the Netflix series

Emily in Paris. But also Emily in Rome and, with the latest episode of the fifth season, even Emily in…Venice. It was in the floating city that the cast of Darren Star's show, the creator behind the cult hit Sex and the City, met, confirming the series' love for Italy. Don’t worry, Venice is the only small spoiler about the new ten episodes coming December 18 on Netflix, and the cast shared a few details starting with the Emily of the title, Lily Collins: "You can say that Emily ran a lot in heels in the early seasons, but now it’s time for lower shoes." A way of saying the protagonist is growing up and, without neglecting style, is learning to stand on her own two feet, even with the romantic and professional obstacles the series keeps putting in her way. "I think Emily grows and matures in every season," the actress continues. "In the first season, she was still finding her voice, but now that she has one, she’s trying to use it well both at work and in relationships. Everyone reaches a point in life where dramas are put into perspective, and now it’s happened to her too."

Emily in Paris, the cast of the next season streaming on Netflix

She is accompanied by the always formidable boss Sylvie, the irresistible Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, who herself experiences a transformation of her character, perhaps for the first time facing failure: "Sylvie is sophisticated, ironic, but she could also be terrible with Emily, and I must say I enjoyed showing that toughness. But she’s reached a point where her armor has cracked, and this will lead her to confront an inner disorder full of questions about both work and love." Alongside them is Ashley Parker, Emily's best friend, whose behavior will test their bond: "At first, Mindy had little to lose," explains the actress. "Now she’s invested a lot in the relationships in the series, which means the consequences could be bigger. The sisterhood between her and Emily will indeed be tested." Parker faced new artistic challenges but especially with Emily in Paris she could show her varied talents, foremost among them singing: "My grandmother never got to see me perform because it would have meant flying for hours. So for me, being on a show where I can perform and many people can watch is gratifying because I can connect with so many. Theater allows it too, but Netflix is definitely a much wider platform."

Eugenio Franceschini, returning in the fifth season

Carrying the Italian flag is Eugenio Franceschini, introduced in season four as Marcello Muratori and returning as the protagonist’s love interest in Emily in Paris 5. He also acts as Emily’s ambassador in Venice, after already being her guide in Rome: "Rome represents my formative years and absolute freedom, when I had almost nothing but was full of dreams. Venice, on the other hand, is simply the most beautiful city in the world. I was happy that, as Marcello, I could bring Emily to these two places close to my heart." In fact, it’s for their beauty that Darren Star chose Rome and Venice: "Paris remains the heart of Emily in Paris, but I felt the need to expand the protagonist’s world, and for that, I needed places full of charm," the creator explains, who is inevitably asked if he already sees his protagonist elsewhere: "There are many places I’d love to visit or film in. But it was never about moving the show. It’s still called Emily in Paris; Paris is home. If the protagonist travels again, it will be because the story naturally takes her there."

Finally, it’s impossible not to return to one of the series’ defining points: the characters’ looks. "In the first season, Emily had many thoughts and things to say, and instead of expressing everything in words, she did it through clothes, so many of her outfits were colorful and bright," explains Lily Collins. "Four seasons later, those features evolve into more muted combinations, maybe less mixed or colorful, yet no less bold. For me, it reflects her growing inner confidence."