Diego Borella, an assistant director on Netflix’s Emily in Paris, died in the middle of shooting season 5 in Italy. He was 47.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family,” a spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios told Us Weekly in a statement on Saturday, August 23. “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
News broke on Friday, August 22, that Borella had collapsed while the crew was preparing a scene at Venice’s Hotel Danieli. Local newspaper La Repubblica reported that on-site medical staff attempted to revive Borella, which was unsuccessful.
According to the outlet, a local doctor confirmed Borella’s death on the scene.
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The Il Messaggero newspaper also reported that Netflix immediately suspended filming the remainder of the episodes.
Emily in Paris, created by Sex and the City creator Darren Star, had been filming its upcoming season in the Italian cities of Rome and Venice. The series followed the titular Emily (Lily Collins) as she moved from the United States abroad to Paris for a new luxury marketing job.
By the end of season 4, Emily left the City of Lights for Rome with new love interest Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini) by her side. Collins, 36, had been sharing behind the scenes glimpses of production on her social media prior to Borella’s death.
“The countdown officially begins, with a first look and release date for @emilyinparis SEASON FIVE,” she wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, October 20. “Emily’s Italian adventure continues, from cobblestones to canals, on December 18th.”
In Collins’ sneak peek, she took in the sights of Venice with costars Franceschini, 33, Ashley Park (Mindy Chen) and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Sylvie Grateau). Lucien Laviscount (Alfie) and Lucas Bravo (Gabriel) are also set to return.
“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.”
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Star, 64, has also reassured fans that the show won’t be leaving Paris for good.
“She is working in Rome sometimes. Sylvie’s company has an office in Rome. Emily’s getting that on its feet,” Star 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.”
Emily in Paris season 5 premieres December 18 on Netflix.
