Paul Forman On Emily In Paris Season 5: ‘Redemption Is Rarely Straightforward’

French playboy and nepo baby (heir to the aptly named JVMA fortune, no less) Nicolas de Léon is one of the more Marmite characters in Emily in Paris, which is back on our screens for season 5 now. Thanks to his tumultuous relationship with fan-favourite Mindy (Ashley Park), Nico’s behaviour in season 4 left fans furious. But is redemption on the cards in season 5? We sat down with British actor Paul Forman to find out.

Q&A: Paul Forman On Emily In Paris Season 5

Hi Paul, how’s life going at the moment?

Life is wonderful. A bit hectic at the moment but in a way in which I’m grateful for. I’m working a lot, but I’m also learning to carve out pockets of calm too. It feels like a chapter where things are shifting in exciting ways!

You’re about to return to our screens as Nicolas de Leon in Emily in Paris season 5. How does it feel to be back?

It feels just like returning to my wonderfully eccentric family. Nico is a character I’ve grown very fond of, especially with this latest season: he feels more layered, vulnerable and beautifully human – so stepping back into his world feels both familiar and new, if that makes sense.

On again, off again: Paul Forman as Nicolas De Leon & Ashley Park as Mindy in Emily in Paris. (Courtesy of Netflix © 2024)

How would you pitch the series to someone who has never tuned in?

It’s a show about an American woman who falls in love with Paris, France and Europe and who invites us to join her in that fantasy. Through her escapism, we discover the romance, ambition, friendship, heartbreak, and the fashion of her world and it’s all wrapped in humour and charm. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is part of its success. And guess, what? I’m in it! I know! WTF?!

What do we have in store for season 5?

Big surprises! It’s even more glorious in its fashion but has greater depth and vulnerability, this year. Of course, it sparkles still, but season 5 has a slightly more mature energy and Darren Star, the show runner, recently told me that it was his favourite season yet.

Nico was somewhat of a villain last season. Will he be redeemed in season 5?

Redemption is rarely straightforward, and I like that about him. He finally decides to look at himself more honestly this time, and that brings vulnerability to the surface. It was a joy for me to play as an actor and I’m very grateful for his new direction. Whether audiences forgive him… We’ll see.

What is it like to play the villain in a show with such a huge fanbase?

Incredibly fun! ‘Villains’ so to speak are often layered in a more complicated way than your hero. That’s fascinating to me as a performer. On a personal level, Nico feels quite far from me: he’s older, with more gravitas, he’s always in control and incredibly composed and he’s French! It gives me this healthy space from him. So if people come up to me and say, ‘I was furious with you last season!’, that genuinely makes me smile! If you provoke emotion, then you’re doing your job. I do wish audiences were better at separating an actor and a character, but it’s a small price to pay for doing what I love.

He’s a very wealthy man, occasionally snobbish and the heir to JVMA. Anything in particular you do to get into character?

I don’t think those are attributes that should be ‘played’. What interests me, is what lies beneath those titles: someone who’s only liked for his surname and what he can provide, someone who deals with relentless pressure from his own family, where failure is never an option. Also, he’s a nepo kid! This would give anyone a certain armour and I build from there. There’s a posture, a precision in how he moves and speaks in relation to all that. And then beneath it all, I build the insecurities he’d never admit to.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming this time around?

So many! Every moment on that set has been a joy for me. I love working with this cast and crew and I consider them a family. Perhaps what comes to mind is my final scene of the season. I think we’re going to surprise people and it was a magical moment in so many ways. From the location, to my scene partners, to the journey which got me to that precise moment. It was beautiful and I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life.

Any favourite filming locations in season 5?

Venice was a living poem. I think it’s rare to film there, so I have immense gratitude and I’m even more enamoured with life.

What is the cast dynamic like on set?

We’re a very tight group, we often play games, laugh and discuss life. Everyone has their own role in that family which is beautiful. I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of it. These are connections I’ll cherish in my life for a very long time.

Anything you can tease about the possibility of season 6?

I know nothing! That’s up to the Netflix gods but I’d love to continue and explore this new path that Nico is on and see where it takes us.

‘I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the Emily in Paris family.’ (© Florian Saez)

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

There are a couple of projects I’m developing and reading for – some are early conversations, so I can’t say much. For now, my focus is on a play I’m writing. I’m very excited to explore work that pushes me emotionally and creatively.

What has been your favourite project to date?

A small play I did off the West End called Holding the Man by Tommy Murphy. I love theatre and I love to challenge myself. This was a true story of a young couple in Australia who contracted HIV/Aids during the epidemic in the 80s. It was an honour and a privilege to tell their story and these kinds of projects stay with you for life. Theatre has a way of stripping everything back, there’s nowhere to hide, so you’re forced to meet yourself honestly every night and I find that beautiful.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

That’s such a difficult question! I got to film Doctor Who with Jonathan Groff, who is one of the kindest humans I’ve ever met and who brings such sensitivity and detail to his work. I like kind people, and I like to see kind people succeed in life. I’ll forever be cheering for him.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Lily Collins has shown me just how much is possible when you combine talent with an extraordinary work ethic. She juggles producing and leading the show with such grace, and still delivers performances that feel fresh and full of life. It’s genuinely inspiring to witness and I’m very grateful to have her in my life.

What’s your dream role?

I can’t reveal that unless I get it one day. It feels too raw and vulnerable. It’s a role I’ve grown up admiring ever since I was a little boy, a character I feel I understand and would love a chance to play one day. I’m so sorry I can’t say more!

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I don’t like limiting things to one genre or one role. I’m incredibly curious by nature and I love surprising people including myself.  I want to explore many genres – I watch absolutely everything.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Again, this is so difficult to answer… I can’t name you one! The list is huge… But one thing which is true for all is that I admire storytellers who take risks. Directors such as Sean Baker, Charlotte Wells and Emerald Fennell. Actors like Andrew Scott and Ben Mendelsohn who bring such emotional precision and unpredictability to their work. I could keep going for hours.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

I recently just moved back to London which was so important to me. It’s a city that’s become part of my identity. I love its energy, its multiculturalism, the people! I am naturally more of a homebody so I try my best to make as much time as I can to recharge there.

Do you prefer the town or the country?

As a Londoner, I am quite a city boy but I like the option of spending time in the country when I need to get away if things get too loud. Can I say both?

What’s your interior design style?

Scandinavian, minimalistic, Japanese. Anything with natural textures, soft light and pieces with meaning. I like spaces that feel calm but lived in.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

Balance is a practice, not a destination. I’ve learned to protect small rituals – a morning walk, a quiet coffee, time with people I love. Those are my anchors.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Take time to step outside… Nature has a way of putting everything into perspective.

How will you be celebrating Christmas?

I’m keeping it very low key with my family and my brother in law’s family. My brother is an incredible cook and takes Christmas very seriously so I’m looking forward to it. And of course, seeing my wonderful niece – she’s three years old so Christmas has that magic energy again!

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

I think I need a little holiday in the sun! I haven’t decided where yet but I love to travel. Professionally, I’m leaning further into writing and developing stories… that feels like an important next chapter.

‘I admire storytellers who take risks.’ (© Florian Saez)

Here’s What Paul Forman Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Pluribus, The New Look and the all the Harry Potters.

What I’m reading… Interview questions!

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Marty Supreme.

Favourite film of all time… Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. Creating a film unlike any other in the year 2022 is an incredible achievement. There is nothing like it. It’s about love, gratitude, realigning yourself in your life. It truly blew my mind.

Favourite song of all time… I’ve recently discovered ‘Mr/Mme’ by Loïc Nottet and I can’t stop thinking about it. I think it might have taken first place.

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Bad Bunny, Johnny Hallyday and Lynyrd Skynyrd. That mix epitomises my music taste to perfection!

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Going to the theatre and/or cinema alone. You get to appreciate the art differently when alone.

 Cultural guilty pleasure… Songs from the 70s.

Paul Forman stars as Nico in Emily in Paris season 5. All episodes are streaming now on Netflix.

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