Emily in Paris star Lilly Collins opens about how the titular character has changed over the years

When Emily in Paris first aired, Emily Cooper was bold, naive, and very energetic. She rushed into things without considering repercussions, and this caused many awkward yet humorous situations.

But as the series progressed, Emily started to outgrow her fish-out-of-water phase. She started to develop an awareness of herself, more confidence, and an ability to listen and adapt, even as Paris and then Rome pushed her to her limits.

Emily's development was not about transforming into a different person or becoming a part of the crowd. On the contrary, as actress Lily Collins told to Variety at the "Emily In Paris" - Season Five - Netflix Paris Premiere at Le Grand Rex, it represented learning from the mistakes she made and using her talents in a more composed and grounded manner.

This development added depth to the character and made it easy to root for and support her. This can also represent the development Collins has seen as a performer in the role of Emily, as she keeps exploring new facets of Emily's confidence, identity, and attitude towards life, work, and love.

What Lilly Collins said about Emily’s emotional growth in Emily in Paris

Lilly Collins notices Emily's growth is the kind that happens gradually, by learning from experiences rather than having a change of heart at once. It is for this reason that the confidence that Emily has developed now feels natural rather than loud.

Lily Collins told Variety:

“It really does every year feel like Emily learns more and more and grows as a person, and the confidence. And I think she’s found her footing now in Rome, but also back in Paris because she has the inner confidence that maybe she locked in season one, in terms of stepping into a new job and a new city and new friends. So I feel like 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 of Emily. So this year was really fun, letting go of the perfection more.”

Collins also notes that Emily has discovered how to be vulnerable now. Emily always had a positive outlook, even in the previous seasons, and sometimes that positivity is just a cover-up. Now, Emily is not afraid to be unsure, conflicted, and even uncomfortable about things.

The new environment contributes to this development. Being in Rome, yet still tied to Paris, is a liminal position that Emily finds herself in. She's neither a newbie nor a complete expert, but learning in a manner that enables her to experiment with what she has learned so far.

For Collins, Emily in Paris Season 5 is one of trusting herself. Emily might not have everything figured out, but she trusts that she can uncover answers, and this confidence is what makes her transformation so subtle.

Emily in Paris Season 5: release details and streaming information

Emily in Paris is still one of Netflix's comfort shows, and the fifth season is back later this year. And fans can catch it all on December 18, 2025. There is definitely a lot of buzz associated with its expansion into different cities and adapting different elements of a romantic-comedy series.

But now, Emily in Paris Season 5 marks a change in Emily. She is not defined solely by Paris or Rome, or the fact that she is a fish out of water. From the interview, it is evident that the narrative not only celebrates the imperfections that Emily embodies but also portrays how she makes mistakes, questions her actions, and keeps on moving forward.

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