Lucas Bravo shared new reflections on the evolution of Gabriel, the famous French chef he plays in Emily in Paris. The 37-year-old actor acknowledged that he was looking to “recover the fun Gabriel” from the first seasons, a more optimistic view after the criticism he had previously made of the development of his character.
In conversation with VarietyBravo explained that in season 5 he wanted “go back to what Gabriel was in season 1”and that both he and the creative team felt the need to rediscover the lighter and more charismatic essence of the character.
“I think we all wanted the fun Gabriel back. I hope we met that demand!” stated the actor.
Months ago, Bravo had openly expressed frustration with Gabriel’s narrative direction, claiming that the character was being “turned into guacamole.”
In an interview with IndieWiredetailed: “In season 1 there was a lot of me in him. But when they made him oblivious to his surroundings… always victimizing himself and completely lost… being manipulated by everyone… it stopped being fun for me.”
Likewise, he added that three seasons playing a “melancholic, sad, depressed and lost” Gabriel led him to wonder if he wanted to continue in the series after the end of his contract in season 4.
“It’s a comedy, everyone is having fun around me, everyone is jumping, and I slowly sink into who knows what,” he lamented then.
For his part, Darren Star, creator of Emily in Parisalso addressed the controversy following the actor’s criticism.
In statements collected by deadlineassured that everything had been “a misunderstanding” and that there was never a real intention for Bravo to abandon the series. “Lucas Bravo is coming back this season, so we have some interesting and surprising developments in terms of Emily’s love life,” he explained.
Currently, Bravo is more enthusiastic about continuing into season five as there is the possibility of a new approach to explore.
In dialogue with Parade, in April 2025, he assured that the next installment is “the best so far”, to the point where “the fans are going to go crazy”, and that it is about “the craziest” of all.
On the other hand, in the same interview with VarietyBravo dedicated praise to Lily Collins, protagonist and producer of the series.
“I don’t think I’ve ever worked with someone so professional,” he assured.
He highlighted his discipline, his ability to learn and deliver dialogue, and his participation in all aspects of filming. “She has radar. Even when it seems like she’s reading something, she always has something clever to contribute to move the narrative forward. I think she’s a genius — but don’t tell her, she won’t recognize it.”
The official synopsis of the next episodes of Emily in Paris announces that the protagonist will begin the season installed in Rome as director of Agence Grateau Rome. There he will face new professional and romantic challenges, until a work error triggers a series of conflicts that will affect his emotional life and career.
While Emily seeks stability and adapts to her new city, Gabriel remains in Paris determined to fight for her, as hinted at in the finale of the previous season. Episode 5 will address that emotional conflict, now from a renewed Gabriel, more determined and less trapped in the darkness.
