Lily Collins and Ashley Park, the dynamic duo behind Netflix’s beloved ‘Emily in Paris’, are buzzing with excitement. Reunited over Zoom, their contagious energy is palpable as they celebrate the release of the eagerly awaited fourth season. They twin in sharp black blazers adorned with gold buttons, mirroring their characters’ stylish Parisian flair. But beneath the surface of their infectious enthusiasm lies a surprising depth of emotion.
While the show is a lighthearted rom-com, filled with improbable love triangles, eye-catching fashion, and outlandish marketing campaigns, the road to season four was anything but easy. Early this year, Ashley Park, the talented actress known for her roles in ‘Beef’, ‘Joy Ride’, and ‘Only Murders in the Building’, found herself hospitalized with a severe case of septic shock. This unexpected health crisis forced her to miss a month of filming, adding an extra layer of complexity to the production.
Despite the challenges, Park returned to Paris to resume filming, supported by her close friend and co-star Lily Collins. Collins, a Golden Globe and Emmy nominee with credits in ‘Mank’ and ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’, stood by Park throughout the entire process. Their bond, both on and off-screen, is evident as they recount those early days back on set, their voices tinged with emotion.
Even with the knowledge of Park’s health struggles, viewers wouldn’t guess the behind-the-scenes drama when watching the first five episodes. Emily, the titular American expat, and her best friend Mindy, the effervescent musician, are still navigating the glamorous world of Parisian life. Emily chases career milestones, including a Michelin star for her client and love interest, Gabriel, while Mindy dreams of Eurovision fame. Meanwhile, Mindy grapples with a decision between her charming bandmate, Benoît, and the charismatic Nicolas, who also happens to be Park’s real-life partner. Emily, meanwhile, faces the aftermath of Camille’s dramatic departure in season three, leaving her to mend fences with banker Alfie, all while dealing with the unexpected pregnancy of her former flame, Gabriel.
Collins and Park delve into the dynamic between their characters, highlighting a playful flirtation that has become a fan favorite. They discuss their favorite Parisian hangouts, their unforgettable filming experience in Rome, and Collins’s upcoming West End debut.
Looking back on the season, both actresses share their favorite moments. Park, reflecting on her return to filming after her illness, expresses her gratitude for the support of her co-stars. She describes the experience as coming home and credits Collins and her real-life partner, Paul Forman, for their unwavering support.
Collins, acknowledging Park’s remarkable resilience, praises her performance in season four, noting its strength and vulnerability. They recount their shared experiences, from filming scenes in winter while wearing bathing suits to creating impromptu moments of humor on set.
They touch on the evolution of their characters’ wardrobes, with both Emily and Mindy embracing new styles. Park highlights Mindy’s growing confidence and her ability to express herself through bold fashion choices. Collins emphasizes Emily’s increasing Parisian influence, citing her newfound love for monochrome looks, suits, and comfortable shoes.
Finally, they address the love triangles that drive much of the show’s drama. Collins chooses Nicolas for Mindy, citing his sweetness and charm. Park, reflecting on Emily’s romantic journey, emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and choosing happiness.
Collins shares her excitement for her upcoming West End debut in ‘Barcelona,’ a two-person play written by Bess Wohl and directed by Lynette Linton. Park, expressing her pride and excitement, reveals that she will be the play’s biggest fan.
As season four unfolds, viewers can expect more captivating storylines, captivating fashion moments, and a deeper dive into the emotional lives of Emily and Mindy. With the first five episodes now streaming on Netflix and the remaining episodes set to drop on September 12th, ‘Emily in Paris’ continues to captivate audiences with its blend of romance, humor, and Parisian charm.
