Emily in Paris shooting interrupted after death

Filming on season 5 of Emily in Paris came to an abrupt halt after the sudden death of assistant director Diego Borella, aged 47.

The tragedy occurred on August 21, 2025 in Venice, in the prestigious setting of theHotel Danieli, where a scene was to be filmed for the fifth season of the Emily in Paris series. Shortly before 7 p.m., Diego Borella collapsed on the set, in front of the production teams and cast. Emergency services intervened quickly, but were unable to resuscitate him. The doctor present confirmed his death, probably due to a sudden heart attack.

A native of Venice who trained in Rome, London and New York, Diego Borella was active not only in the film industry, but also in the visual arts and literature, where he wrote children’s stories. His friends and colleagues hail him as an elegant, brilliant and much-loved man. “His life was cut short, so there’s not much to say. Just immense sadness,” said his friend Mattia Berto.

A shoot marked by tragedy

Production on the fifth season, which began on August 15, was due to end the following Monday. The schedule included filming in Paris, Rome and Venice, with the first images already shared by Netflix. This incident casts a shadow over the series, which has become a veritable international phenomenon.

In Paris, where the series remains anchored by its plot and iconic settings – from the Place de l’Estrapade to the Pont Alexandre III – this drama is also a reminder of how inseparable the capital is from the fictional identity. Shooting was to alternate between Italian scenes and new Parisian chapters.

An eagerly awaited season

Despite this tragic interruption, production has confirmed that Season 5 remains scheduled for release on Netflix on December 18, 2025. The story will pick up after the separation ofEmily (Lily Collins) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), while exploring her budding relationship with Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini).

The cast features many familiar faces, including Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, Lucien Laviscount and Thalia Besson. New this season: the arrival of Michèle Laroque.

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