Emmanuel Macron Says France ‘Will Fight Hard’, When Netflix’s blockbuster comedy “Emily in Paris” revealed at the end of season four that its lead heroine was leaving for Rome, many viewers were taken by surprise. French President Emmanuel Macron has now weighed in on the debate, stating that the country “will fight hard” to prevent the show from moving to the Italian capital.
“We will ask them to remain in Paris, ‘Emily in Paris'” in Rome does not make sense,” he told Variety in an interview published Wednesday.
The plot revolves around Emily Cooper, a 20-something American marketing executive played by Lily Collins, who relocates from Chicago to Paris for work and likes life in the French metropolis. It often ranks among Netflix’s most-watched episodes, and when the streaming service extended it for a fifth season, creator Darren Star stated that Emily will now “have a presence in Rome.”
Emmanuel Macron Says France ‘Will Fight Hard’ To Keep Hit Netflix Show Emily In Paris In Paris
Following the French president’s remarks, Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, made a tongue-in-cheek response on X, saying, “Dear Emmanuel Macron, don’t worry: Emily is doing wonderful in Rome. And one can’t control the heart; let her decide.”
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter Roma, Gualtieri said, “Doesn’t President Macron have more pressing matters to worry about?”
Gualtieri speculated: “I would like to believe, at least I would like to hope, that Macron was joking, because he ought to know that a production company like Netflix does not take orders from heads of state or make decisions based on political pressure.”
Macron has had a lengthy association with the show. His wife, Brigitte, appeared briefly in season four when Emily met her in a café and asked for a selfie. In the show’s fictitious reality, Brigitte publishes one of Emily’s social media postings from season one, in which she expressed surprise that the French word for vagina, le vagin, was male.
“I was super proud, and she was very happy to do it,” Macron said of his wife’s appearance. “It was only a few minutes, but I believe it was a very positive time for her. I think it’s beneficial for France’s image. Emily in Paris is extremely positive in terms of the country’s attractiveness. It’s an excellent initiative for my own business.”
Emmanuel Macron Says France ‘Will Fight Hard’ To Keep Hit Netflix Show Emily In Paris In Paris
While some French fans have criticized the show for relying on Parisian clichés and disregarding topics such as homelessness in the city, a survey undertaken by France’s National Cinema Center revealed that it has increased travel to the country’s capital in January.
According to the study, around one-tenth of travelers opted to visit France after watching a certain movie or series, and in 38% of those cases, “Emily in Paris” served as the motivation for a French trip.
However, despite his wife’s involvement with the performance and its impact on tourism, Macron has no plans to make his own cameo appearance.
“I’m less attractive than Brigitte,” he told Variety.
SOURCE | AP
