UPDATE: The absence of Lucas Bravo as Gabriel in the latest season of Emily in Paris has stirred significant buzz among fans. Darren Star, the show’s creator, confirmed on December 19, 2024, that the season features “the right amount” of Gabriel, despite Bravo’s limited presence in most episodes.
In an exclusive interview with Decider, Star stated, “He really wasn’t consulted, and he just chose to come back to the show. The storyline worked out.” He emphasized that the focus of Season 5 was not primarily on Emily and Gabriel’s relationship. This season, which began streaming on Netflix on December 18, showcases Gabriel briefly visiting Rome before returning to Paris, where he ultimately accepts a job opportunity that takes him away.
Andrew Fleming, the director and executive producer, provided further context, explaining that Bravo’s limited appearances were due to a prior movie commitment. “At no point was Luke ever leaving the show permanently,” Fleming reassured fans, adding, “We worked around that.”
The season concludes with a cliffhanger as Gabriel writes a letter to Emily, inviting her to visit him in Greece. This moment raises questions about the future of their relationship, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Fleming noted, “He’s important. He’s part of the DNA of the show,” highlighting the undeniable chemistry between Bravo and Lily Collins, who portrays Emily.
Bravo’s limited presence follows his recent criticisms regarding Gabriel’s character arc, describing the evolution as distancing and frustrating. In an October 2024 interview with IndieWire, Bravo expressed concerns about how Gabriel had “slowly turned into guacamole,” lamenting the character’s lack of agency and fun. He stated, “Three seasons playing melancholic, sad, depressed, and lost is not fun anymore. It’s a comedy, everybody is having fun around me, and I’m just slowly sinking into god knows what.”
Despite these challenges, Bravo indicated he had attempted to voice his concerns but felt restricted by the script. “There is only so much I can do in the limits of a script. I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set,” he admitted.
As the new season unfolds, fans are left to speculate on the trajectory of Emily and Gabriel’s relationship. The show’s producers have hinted that while Gabriel is not as central this season, he remains integral to Emily’s journey. Viewers eagerly await the next chapter, hoping for a return to the character’s earlier charm.
With Season 5 now streaming, audiences are invited to dive back into the world of Emily in Paris and witness how the dynamics evolve. As the cliffhanger leaves fans anticipating more, the conversation around Bravo’s character and his future on the show is far from over.
Stay tuned for further updates on Emily in Paris and its fan-favorite characters!
