Tragedy on Set: Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’ Pauses Filming After On-Set Death

Filming for Netflix’s popular series Emily in Paris has been paused after an assistant director tragically died on set in Venice.

Diego Borella, 47, collapsed while preparing to shoot the final scene of the show’s fifth season. Medics were called to the historic Hotel Danieli around 7 p.m. on Thursday, but were unable to save him, according to La Repubblica.

Borella was a respected professional from Venice who trained in Rome, London, and New York. Italian media also report that he was a writer, publishing fairy tales and children’s stories.

Following his death, production on Emily in Paris has been halted. Filming had been scheduled to wrap between August 15 and August 25.

The fifth season, which is set to premiere on Netflix on December 18, follows Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, as she works at Agence Grateau in Rome. In May, Collins was spotted filming in Rome, riding a scooter, and shooting scenes inside the Fendi store.

In the fourth season, which aired last year, Emily developed a romantic connection with an Italian man named Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini.

Emily in Paris first premiered on October 2, 2020. While the series received mixed reviews in the United States, it also faced criticism in France for its stereotypical portrayal of Parisians and French culture.

Netflix renewed the show for a second season in November 2020, which premiered on December 22, 2021. Seasons three and four followed, with the third premiering on December 21, 2022, and the fourth in two parts—August 15, 2024, and September 12, 2024. In September 2024, the fifth season was officially greenlit.

The series follows Emily Cooper, a young American from Chicago with a master’s degree in communications, who moves to Paris for a new job. She is tasked with introducing an American perspective and social media strategy to a prestigious French marketing firm.

The show focuses on Emily navigating cultural differences, balancing her career, building friendships, and managing her love life.

While Netflix has not yet released a statement regarding Borella’s death, filming has reportedly stopped as the team mourns the loss.

Italian media and La Repubblica highlight Borella’s professional achievements and his contributions to the creative community in Venice and beyond.

This tragic event marks a somber moment for the Emily in Paris team and fans, who are awaiting the fifth season later this year.

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