Emily in Paris fan-favorite Ashley Park shares exclusive details about the show’s upcoming Season 5, highlighting the breathtaking experience of filming in Venice and teasing a transformative journey for Mindy Chen as she navigates new career opportunities and deepens her bond with Emily.
As production for Emily in Paris Season 5 officially wraps, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the return of the hit Netflix series on December 18. Among those sharing excitement is star Ashley Park, who portrays the beloved character Mindy Chen. Park recently offered exclusive insights into the extensive filming process, particularly highlighting her “once in a lifetime” experience shooting in the iconic city of Venice.
The 34-year-old actress, a self-described “triple-threat performer,” caught up with People at the opening of her Korean folklore-inspired art installation in New York City. She recounted the whirlwind production schedule that saw the cast and crew traverse several European cities through August.
“We ended filming in Venice, so just to be able to explore or be in a new environment completely was just really once in a lifetime,” Park shared, encapsulating the magic of the Venetian canals and unique ambiance. This sentiment perfectly captures the escapist charm that fans adore about Emily in Paris.
A Grand European Odyssey: Filming Across Iconic Cities
This upcoming season promises an expansive canvas, moving beyond its Parisian roots. Creator Darren Star teased to Tudum that “this season is a tale of two cities. Rome and Paris.” The narrative sees Lily Collins’ titular Emily stepping into a new role as head of Agence Grateau’s satellite office in Rome, initiating a new chapter with her Italian beau, Marcello Muratori (Eugenio Franceschini).
For Mindy Chen, while her initial Roman holiday may conclude, her journey is far from over. Park confirmed filming took place in Venice, Rome, and Paris, making for a truly pan-European adventure. The actress likened the demanding schedule to shooting “three movies in one summer,” highlighting the scale and ambition of Season 5.
A memorable detail from production, as noted by Park, was the sheer amount of time spent on the water. “The first season, I spent most of my time sitting in a cafe talking to Emily, and this season, I kid you not, I spent more hours on a boat than sitting in a café: the different water taxis in Venice, the gondolas, the speedboats in Rome. I was on a boat a lot,” she revealed, painting a vivid picture of the unique challenges and delights of filming.
Mindy Chen’s Spotlight: Music, Heartbreak, and New Beginnings
Season 5 is set to be a pivotal one for Mindy Chen. Following her breakup with Nico (Paul Forman) and the disappointment of losing her chance to compete at Eurovision, Mindy embarks on a path of redemption in love and on the stage. She’s slated to accept an exciting offer to judge the singing competition show Chinese Superstar, a new opportunity that arises after a video of her singing in Rome goes viral.
Fans can anticipate plenty of the musical prowess that Ashley Park brings to the role. The actress teased “some big, big moments in terms of song and dance with Mindy this year,” a detail that will undoubtedly thrill viewers eager for her character’s performances.
The Enduring Friendship of Emily and Mindy
Beyond Mindy’s personal musical journey, the season will also delve deeper into the core friendship between Mindy and Emily. Park explained that “there’s a lot of emotional elements in this new season that we really haven’t delved into before.” This means fans can expect to see their “sisterhood” tested and explored in new, meaningful ways, offering a richer understanding of their relationship.
Furthermore, creator Darren Star confirmed that Lucien Laviscount, who plays Alfie, will have a more prominent role, appearing in virtually every episode this season, adding another layer to the show’s character dynamics.
Beyond Paris: Celebrating Korean Heritage and New Creative Ventures
For Ashley Park, her role on Emily in Paris extends beyond entertainment; it’s also a significant platform for representation. She expressed pride in the show serving as a “global platform” to “make changes” through accessibility. “The fact that people all over the world associate an Asian face with warmth and friendship and music and laughter like that, that’s what is so cool about that for me in representing in that way,” Park elaborated, highlighting the power of portraying an Asian character whose identity isn’t solely centered on her heritage.
This commitment to her roots also recently manifested in her collaboration with Genesis House, a “modern oasis” in New York City. Park unveiled a Korean folklore-inspired art installation called CHROMA, a sensory immersion experience designed to share her personal connection to her heritage. The venue holds special significance for Park, as it’s in her “old neighborhood” where she performed Broadway shows, making the connection even more personal and profound.
In addition to her work on Emily in Paris Season 5 and her art installation, Park has also been busy on the film front. She recently wrapped filming for a new comedy titled Basic. In the movie, she stars alongside Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester and Warfare’s Taylor John Smith, playing Gloria in a story based on a 2020 short film about a difficult breakup and an ex-girlfriend spiral.
As Emily in Paris Season 5 approaches its December 18 release date, fans can look forward to a season that promises not only breathtaking European backdrops but also deep emotional explorations for its beloved characters, especially Mindy Chen, portrayed with vibrant energy by Ashley Park.
