Macron: ‘Emily in Paris’ Must Return to Paris, Not Rome, Says French President
PARIS, Oct 9 (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his strong opinion that the popular Netflix show, Emily in Paris, should stay true to its name and return to the French capital. This comes after the recent season, which aired in 2024, saw the lead character, Emily, move from Paris to Rome for a work-related storyline.
In an interview with Variety magazine on Wednesday, Macron shared his thoughts about the direction of the series, which has garnered global attention. “We will fight hard. And we will ask them to remain in Paris! Emily in Paris in Rome doesn’t make sense,” Macron declared. He emphasized the significance of the show for France, both as a representation of French culture and as a boost to the country’s global image.
Emily in Paris first captivated audiences worldwide when it debuted during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The show follows the life of Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive played by actress Lily Collins, as she navigates her career and life in Paris. Its picturesque portrayal of the city, from its charming cafés to its grand architecture, has drawn in fans seeking an idealized version of the French capital.
However, with the latest season taking Emily away from Paris to Rome, many fans have expressed disappointment, arguing that the shift in location took away some of the magic that made the series so appealing. Macron seems to agree with this sentiment, suggesting that the essence of the show is tied to its Parisian setting.
The move to Rome was a significant plot development in the fourth season, which aired in September 2024. Emily relocates to the Italian capital for a job opportunity, adding a new dimension to the show’s narrative. Yet, this change has sparked debates over whether the show should continue under its current title if the storyline shifts away from Paris.
Macron also highlighted the cultural and economic benefits that the series has brought to France. “Emily in Paris is super positive in terms of attractiveness for the country,” he said, stressing that the show has become a form of soft power, drawing more attention to French lifestyle and culture. This boost in tourism and interest in French brands has been an unexpected but welcome outcome of the show’s international success.
Interestingly, Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, made a brief cameo in the most recent season, a move that attracted considerable attention. Macron commented on his wife’s appearance, saying, “I was super proud, and she was very happy to do it. It’s just a few minutes, but I think it was a very good moment for her.” The French first lady’s involvement in the show is yet another indication of its close ties to French identity.
Despite the show’s popularity, it has not been without its critics. Some have accused Emily in Paris of offering an unrealistic portrayal of life in the city. The show has often been criticized for overlooking the more complex and less glamorous aspects of Parisian life, such as its diverse neighborhoods and social issues. Critics argue that the series focuses too heavily on a romanticized, upper-class vision of Paris, neglecting to show the full reality of the city.
Still, for many, Emily in Paris represents a fantasy escape, and its exaggerated charm is part of its allure. Macron seems to believe that this fantasy, though not entirely accurate, is valuable for France’s global reputation. As the French president said, “I think it’s good for the image of France.”
The debate over the show’s future location is likely to continue, especially as discussions about the next season get underway. Whether or not Emily will return to Paris remains to be seen, but Macron’s comments have added a new layer of interest to the storyline. Fans of the series, along with those who follow French politics, will be eager to see how this unusual blend of entertainment and diplomacy unfolds in the coming months.
For now, the question remains: will Emily return to Paris, or will she continue her Roman adventure? Macron has made his stance clear, and many French citizens seem to be on his side. The city of love, after all, might just be the perfect setting for Emily’s next chapter.
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