Rupert Everett recently made headlines by claiming he was "fired" from the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris. In an interview with Vanity Fair published on July 29, 2023, the 66-year-old actor shared his experiences after portraying Italian designer Giorgio Barbieri in the fourth season. Everett alleged that although he completed a scene and was told they would discuss future involvement, he never received the call he anticipated. Instead, he felt blindsided when he learned he was not returning for the upcoming season. Expressing the emotional toll of the experience, he described it as a "tragedy" and revealed he struggled to cope for two weeks following the announcement.
In response to Everett’s claims, Us Weekly sought a comment from Netflix, but details from a source close to the production painted a different picture. The source indicated that Everett’s role was always intended to be guest-starring, and the character arc had reached a natural conclusion within the storyline. This revelation suggests that while Everett may have felt hurt by the situation, the decision was part of the show’s structured narrative rather than a personal dismissal. Known for his earlier role in My Best Friend’s Wedding, Everett’s departure marks just one of several changes taking place within the series, which is helmed by creator Darren Star.
Everett is not the sole actor exiting Emily in Paris. Camille Razat, who portrayed a key character also named Camille, has been confirmed to leave the series. She played a gallerist entangled in a love triangle with Emily and chef Gabriel, creating substantial drama throughout the show. In a September 2024 interview with TVLine, Star acknowledged the possibility of character exits while emphasizing that this fluidity in roles is commonplace in long-running series. He mentioned that while Camille is no longer featured prominently, the character remains part of the series’ universe, leaving room for potential future appearances without guaranteeing that she will return soon.
The series has seen several notable departures beyond Everett and Razat. Other significant characters like Madeline, Emily’s Chicago boss played by Kate Walsh, and love interest Mathieu portrayed by Charles Martins, also won’t be returning. Additionally, Thalia Besson’s character Genevieve, who grew close to Gabriel while working in Emily’s office, is another character leaving the ensemble. These shifts hint at a broader narrative reconfiguration motivated by evolving storylines that seek to keep the series fresh.
The narrative development at the end of the last season sets the stage for new adventures, as Emily relocates to Rome, sparking a fresh romance with Marcello. Star noted that this change serves to expand the show’s universe, enabling the exploration of cultural contrasts between French and Italian settings. While Emily’s transition to a new city opens up fresh storytelling avenues, Star assured fans that Paris would remain a central element, maintaining the show’s roots while diversifying its narrative landscape.
Overall, Emily in Paris is navigating a period of transformation, both in character portrayals and geographical settings. The departure of cast members like Everett and Razat reflects the series’ dynamic storytelling approach, embodying the ebb and flow of character arcs. As the show progresses, audiences can anticipate both familiar and new elements intertwining, ensuring continued engagement with the beloved narrative of its central character, Emily Cooper.
