Lily Collins Was 'Very Proud' Emily References Lizzie McGuire inEmily in ParisSeason 4 Part 2 (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Lily Collins (left) and Hilary Duff (right).Photo:Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix; Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix; Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

Filming in Rome is what dreams are made of forLily Collins!

The actress spoke to PEOPLE at the premiere of season 4 part 2 ofEmily in Paris,which stars Collins as Emily, to talk about her character’s Italian escapades. Collins — who was wearing a gold Schiaparelli dress that she referred to as “my bold Roman statue moment” — also explains who came up with the memorableLizzie McGuiremention.

“I sadly can’t take credit for that line but I found it to be one of the more genius lines of the season,” she says. “I definitely grew up loving that movie,Hilary Duff,Lizzie Mcguire, so I was very proud that Emily Cooper would make that reference.”

Lily Collins.Ernesto Ruscio/Getty

Ernesto Ruscio/Getty

In episode 9, after Emily escapes Paris for Rome for “an adventure” following Gabriel’s confession of his love for her, Emily and Roman local Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini) visit the Trevi Fountain. Looking at the famous site, Emily likens it to fiction.

“I’ve seen so much of this city in movies, I feel like I’ve been here already,” she tells her Italian beau.

“You mean likeLa Dolce Vita?” he questions.

“I was thinking more likeThe Lizzie McGuiremovie,” she replies in all seriousness.

Marcello remarks, “Huh, I don’t know that one,” to which Emily jokes, “We’ll save that for your cultural education.”

Lily Collins (left) and Eugenio Franceschini (right).Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix

Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix

Darren Star, the creator ofEmily in Paris,alsotells PEOPLE on the red carpetwhy he chose Rome as the setting for part 2 of season 4. Noting that he “wanted to expand the footprint of the show” and “broaden out the universe,” Star says Emily’s international journey contributes to the depth of her story.

“Also, Rome to me is like the other great romantic city in Europe, and it’s a bit of a yin and yang to Paris,” Star says. “And also the story took us here. You know, Italy is — just like France — sort of known for fashion, design, style, in a different way.”

In addition toLizzie McGuire, Star explains that Emily was channeling her inner Audrey Hepburn in all of part 2.

Lily Collins.Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix

As for another season, Star remains mum on what could come next for Emily and her friends — Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), Mindy (Ashley Park), Camille (Camille Razat) and Alfie (Lucien Laviscount).

“There are some ideas,” he teases. “It’s really a fun story to keep telling.”

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Parts 1 and 2 ofEmily in Parisseason 4 are now streaming on Netflix.

source: people.com