Macron urges ‘Emily in Paris’ to stay filming in France

By Tosin Brown

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his desire for Netflix’s hit show Emily in Paris to continue filming in France, following news that the lead character, Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, might move to Rome in season five.

After producers hinted that the character would head to Italy’s capital at the end of season four, Macron intervened, stating that France would work to prevent the show’s relocation. “We will ask them to remain in Paris. ‘Emily in Paris’ in Rome doesn’t make sense,” Macron said in an interview with Variety.

Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, responded to Macron on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Dear Emmanuel Macron, don’t worry: Emily is doing great in Rome. And one can’t control the heart: let’s let her choose.”

Macron has a notable connection with the show, as his wife, Brigitte Macron, made a cameo in season four when Emily spotted her in a café and asked for a selfie. In the show’s earlier seasons, Brigitte also shared one of Emily’s social media posts.

Macron’s interest in keeping the series in Paris stems from the boost in tourism the show has brought to the French capital. According to a study by France’s national film center in January, Emily in Paris has significantly enhanced the city’s global image.

The comedy-drama follows 20-something American marketing executive Emily Cooper, who moves from Chicago to Paris for a job and embraces life in the French capital. It remains one of Netflix’s most-watched series, and creator Darren Star recently announced that Emily will now “have a presence in Rome” as the show continues into its fifth season.