A Sudden, Heartbreaking Moment
A tragic incident occurred during the filming of Emily in Paris Season 5 in Venice. Assistant Director Diego Borella, aged 47, collapsed while preparing for a pivotal final scene at the opulent Hotel Danieli around 7 p.m. Despite immediate attempts to revive him, medical staff pronounced him dead shortly after, with a local physician citing a likely heart attack. Production has since come to a halt as cast and crew grapple with the devastating loss.
A Talented Filmmaker Taken Too Soon
Diego Borella was more than just a member of the production team—he was a respected professional with a rich creative background. Trained across Rome, London, and New York, Borella earned admiration for his commitment to storytelling and visual craft. Off the set, he expressed his creative spirit through poetry, children’s stories, and fairy tales, revealing a thoughtful and imaginative persona behind the camera.
Production Paused in Mourning
He had arrived at the Venice set as the shoot wrapped up its final days—filming had commenced on August 15 and was scheduled to conclude by August 25. With Borella’s passing, the production is now on indefinite pause, as it mourns the unexpected loss of a valued team member.
Despite the tragedy, Netflix plans to go forward with the fifth season’s release, tentatively scheduled for December 18, 2025.
Resuming Filming—A Delicate Return
In a testament to both resilience and professionalism, production resumed just two days after the tragedy. Lead star Lily Collins, along with co-stars including Eugenio Franceschini and Ashley Park, returned to the set in Venice. Filming continues as planned, with careful respect and somber reflection among the crew.
A representative from the studio described Borella as a cherished collaborator and offered deepest condolences to his family and colleagues during this unimaginably hard time.
FAQs
Who was Diego Borella?
He served as assistant director on Emily in Paris Season 5. With a background rooted in both European and international film production, Borella was also a published author of children’s stories and poetry.
What happened?
He collapsed during the filming of a final scene in Venice and was declared dead at the scene, likely from a sudden heart attack.
What happens next with the series?
Though production was briefly suspended, filming resumed quickly. Despite the tragedy, Netflix still plans to premiere the new season in December 2025.
How is the cast responding?
Lily Collins and other cast members returned to work shortly after the incident, continuing filming with emotional weight but unwavering dedication.
In Memoriam: A Creative Life Cut Short
Diego Borella’s sudden passing on August 21, 2025, marks a poignant moment in the production of Emily in Paris. As the team pauses to mourn, the world waits with heavy hearts—not only for the next chapter of the show but to honor the legacy of a creator who brought imagination and dedication to every frame he touched.
