Emily in Paris Resumes Filming 2 Days After Assistant Director’s Death

The cast of Emily in Paris has resumed filming the latest season two days after assistant director Diego Borella died during production.

Lily Collins, who plays the titular Emily, was spotted shooting a scene with costars Eugenio Franceschini (Marcello), Ashley Park (Mindy) and Paul Forman (Nicolas) on Saturday, August 23, in photos obtained by Us Weekly. 

The foursome was all smiles, dressed in formal gowns and suits while riding on a gondola down one of Venice’s canals and each holding a champagne flute.

News broke on Friday, August 22, that Borella had collapsed the night before while the crew set up a separate scene at the Hotel Danieli in Venice, Italy. Multiple local newspapers reported that on-site medical staff attempted to revive Borella, which was unsuccessful. Borrella was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 47.

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The Il Messaggero newspaper also reported that the Netflix series briefly halted production on season 5. A spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios later addressed Borrella’s death in a statement shared with Us.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family,” the rep said in a Saturday statement. “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Emily in Paris has been filming its fifth season in Rome and Venice this summer. At the end of season 4, Emily received a promotion and relocated from Paris to head up a new Italian division of Sophie’s luxury marketing agency. It also helped that new love interest Marcello had been planning to return to his native Italy himself.

While Emily’s journey has whisked her off to Italy, the show isn’t leaving the City of Lights for good.

“She is working in Rome sometimes. Sylvie’s company has an office in Rome. Emily’s getting that on its feet,” creator Darren Star previously told Deadline in 2024. “I don’t necessarily think that it means a permanent — in my mind, it’s definitely not a permanent — move to Rome. We’re not leaving Paris.”

Collins, 36, has also been documenting her on-set travels via social media.

“The countdown officially begins, with a first look and release date for @emilyinparis SEASON FIVE,” she wrote via Instagram earlier in August. “Emily’s Italian adventure continues, from cobblestones to canals.”

Costars Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Sylvie), Lucien Laviscount (Alfie) and Lucas Bravo (Gabriel) are also set to return for season 5.

“Just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks,” an official synopsis for the new season reads. “Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.”

Emily in Paris season 5 premieres December 18 on Netflix.