Lily Collins and the Future of 'Emily in Paris' Amid Macron's Statements

Lily Collins and the Impact of 'Emily in Paris'

When Netflix’s hit show Emily in Paris revealed at the end of season four that its lead character was heading to Rome, it caught many viewers by surprise. Now, French President Emmanuel Macron has waded into the conversation and said the country “will fight hard” to stop the show relocating to Italy’s capital. “We will ask them to remain in Paris, ‘Emily in Paris’ in Rome doesn’t make sense,” he told Variety in an interview published Wednesday.

Lily Collins: The Face of Paris

The show centers around 20-something American marketing executive Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, who moves from Chicago to Paris for a job and enjoys la belle vie in the French capital. It frequently ranks among Netflix’s most-watched shows. Following the French president’s comments, Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri posted a tongue-in-cheek response on X, writing: “Dear Emmanuel Macron, don’t worry: Emily is doing great in Rome.”

• Major Tourism Boost: Macron discussed how Emily in Paris enhances France’s global appeal.
• Brigitte’s Cameo: Macron’s wife, Brigitte, appeared in season four, highlighting the show’s connection to French culture.

Despite the criticism that Emily in Paris has faced for leaning into clichés, a study conducted by France’s national film center indicates the series has significantly boosted tourism to the capital.

1. About 10% of tourists were inspired to visit France after watching certain movies or series.
2. Of those instances, 38% cited Emily in Paris specifically as their reason for a French vacation.

In the end, while Macron has previously expressed his pride in the production, he has no plans to make his own cameo appearance. “I’m less attractive than Brigitte,” he joked.