Emily in Paris’ Casting Call for 500 Extras in New Netflix Season Has One Major Catch

"Emily in Paris" Takes Venice: Glamour, Romance, and a Controversial Casting Call
(Images: Lily Collins on a Venetian water taxi; Cast filming at Palazzo Franchetti; Emily and Marcello’s romantic scenes)

Netflix’s Emily in Paris is turning up the glamour for Season 5, trading Parisian cobblestones for Venetian canals. Filming is underway in Venice, Italy, with Lily Collins’ Emily Cooper embarking on a romantic escapade with new love interest Marcello Muratori (Eugenio Franceschini). But the show’s quest for aesthetic perfection has sparked buzz off-screen, too: a casting call for 500 extras demands “beautiful” individuals with “lean physiques” and sizes 6–10 (EU 38–42).

Venice as a Backdrop: From Grand Canal to Basilicas

(Image: Cast shooting near the Grand Canal)
The production is capturing Venice’s iconic scenery, including the Hotel San Daniele, Santi Giovanni and Paolo basilica, and the Grand Canal. Collins shared a sneak peek on Instagram, posing in a tomato-print sundress aboard a water taxi with the caption, “A very Venetian getaway… When work becomes play.”

Season 5 Plot: Love, Career, and Tough Choices

(Image: Emily and Marcello in Rome)
Season 4 ended with Emily torn between staying in Paris or moving to Rome for a career boost—and a fresh romance. After her rocky relationship with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) collapsed, she grew closer to Marcello, an Italian entrepreneur. Their chemistry began on a ski slope in Megève and reignited at a Paris polo match, leading Emily to Rome. There, she balanced wooing Marcello’s family business for her boss Sylvie with exploring their budding romance.

Cast Shake-Up: Camille Exits the Series

(Image: Camille Razat’s farewell post)
Camille Razat, who played Emily’s friend-turned-rival Camille since Season 1, announced her departure via an emotional Instagram post. Fans criticized the show for “destroying her character,” particularly after a fake pregnancy storyline strained her relationship with Gabriel. Razat’s exit marks a major shift for the series, which has long centered on the Emily-Gabriel-Camille love triangle.

Venice Embraces the Spotlight

(Image: Venetian filming locations)
Luca Zaia, president of Italy’s Veneto region, praised the production for showcasing Venice’s cultural heritage: “It’s extraordinary news… bringing the name of Venice to millions worldwide.” The city recently hosted high-profile events like Jeff Bezos’ wedding, cementing its status as a magnet for glamour.

Controversy Over Casting Standards

The show’s call for “beautiful, lean” extras drew mixed reactions. While some fans argue it aligns with the series’ aspirational vibe, others criticize it as exclusionary. Netflix has not commented, but the requirement underscores the show’s commitment to its signature chic aesthetic.

What’s Next for Emily?

(Image: Lily Collins and cast on set)
Season 5 will follow Emily’s Venetian adventures with Marcello while navigating career ambitions. With Camille gone, expect new dynamics—and perhaps old flames resurfacing. The season is slated for late 2024, promising more fashion, drama, and postcard-perfect backdrops.

Emily in Paris continues to blend escapism with eye candy, proving that even in a new city, Emily’s life is anything but molto difficile.

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