As Emily Cooper prepares for her Italian adventure in Emily in Paris Season 5, the woman who brings her to life, Lily Collins, says the character’s confidence has fundamentally changed. From the energetic, sometimes naive American who first arrived in Paris, Emily has grown into a woman whose strength comes from self-awareness and learning from her experiences, not just loud optimism.
The new season arrives on Netflix on December 18, 2025, and finds Emily in a new role as the head of Sylvie’s marketing firm, Agence Grateau, now operating from Rome. Collins, who has played Emily for five seasons and also works as a producer on the show, shared detailed insights into her character’s emotional and personal evolution during recent promotional interviews.
How Emily Cooper’s Confidence Has Quietly Grown
When talking about Emily’s journey, Lily Collins emphasizes that the character’s growth has been gradual. The confidence Emily shows in the upcoming season feels more authentic because it’s built on past mistakes and a deeper understanding of herself and her surroundings.
Lily Collins told Variety: “It really does every year feel like Emily learns more and more and grows as a person, and the confidence. I think she’s found her footing now in Rome… she has the inner confidence that maybe she lacked in season one. This year was really special to see her taking on new challenges and also being okay with vulnerability more, which I think is a real strength”.
Collins notes that earlier in the series, Emily’s famous positivity could sometimes act as a shield. Now, the character has learned that showing uncertainty or feeling conflicted is not a weakness. This comfort with vulnerability, set against the new backdrop of Rome, marks a significant step in her maturity. Emily is in a unique position—she’s no longer the newcomer, but she’s still learning, which allows her to test the lessons she’s gathered from her time in Paris.
A New City and a New Look for Season 5
Season 5 is a major shift for the series, expanding its setting beyond France. The story follows Emily as she leads her agency’s new office in Rome, facing fresh professional challenges and romantic twists. The change in location brings a noticeable change in style for Emily, influenced by Italian cinema and a need for practicality.
Collins revealed that the character’s wardrobe this season features a lot of powerful reds and, notably, fewer high heels. “It felt more grounding and comfortable,” Collins said. “It represents a shift—Emily can run around the city and do her job without worrying about tripping”. This practical choice in costuming mirrors the character’s more grounded approach to her life and career.
Even Emily’s signature hairstyle has changed. After four seasons of long brunette hair, Lily Collins debuted a real-life sleek bob, which was then written into the show for Season 5. The haircut was Collins’s own choice, and she worked with show creator Darren Star to incorporate it into Emily’s story.
From Actor to Producer: Collins’s Role Behind the Scenes
Lily Collins’s connection to Emily Cooper extends beyond acting. She has served as a producer on the series since its beginning, a role that has deepened her investment in the character’s journey and the show’s direction. She has described feeling a “real sense of partnership” with Emily right from the start.
This behind-the-scenes role has given Collins a voice in shaping the show. She has mentioned being involved in creative decisions, including how the series responded to critiques after its first season about incorporating more French language and culture on screen. Collins sees the show as a platform to balance lighthearted entertainment with discussions of more serious, real-world topics that affect the characters.
How Playing Emily Changed Lily Collins
Just as Emily Cooper has evolved, so has Lily Collins. The actor openly shares that portraying such an optimistic character has had a positive impact on her own life. “Playing a character like that inevitably impacts my life and makes me more of those things myself,” Collins said.
One of the most visible changes is in Collins’s personal style. Known for a more minimalist and classic red-carpet look, Collins credits the show’s bold costume designs with encouraging her to take more fashion risks.
“I think playing Emily has broadened my horizons and allowed me to take more risks,” Collins explained. “She’s bolder with her colour choices and all of the mix and matching… I’ve become bolder and brighter in fashion”.
This influence was evident during the recent press tour for Season 5, where Collins’s outfits in Paris—from a glittering Fendi minidress to a vintage Roberto Cavalli trench coat—were noted for their distinctly “Emily-esque” flair.
What to Expect in Season 5
The upcoming season promises more drama and big changes for Emily. Series creator Darren Star has said the story moves in a fresh direction, moving beyond the central question of Emily’s relationship with chef Gabriel. The expansion to Italy and the introduction of new characters, like Minnie Driver as Princess Jane, are set to shake up the dynamics.
Collins hints that audiences should prepare for pivotal moments and unexpected twists as the characters’ relationships reach a more mature stage. After four seasons of build-up, certain storylines are poised to reach their climax.
- Season 5 Release Date: December 18, 2025.
- Where to Watch: All episodes will be available globally on Netflix.
- New Setting: The season expands the story to Rome and Venice, Italy.
- Key New Cast: Minnie Driver joins the cast as Princess Jane, a flamboyant friend of Sylvie’s.
Also Read: Emily in Paris Season 5 Episodes: Runtimes, Titles, and Where to Watch
