In Netflix’s comedy drama Emily in Paris, Samuel Arnold plays regular character Julien alongside Lily Collins as Emily, and with the recent Series 2 streaming from 22nd December 2021, it has since been recommissioned for a third and fourth series, with Samuel set to reprise his role. Samuel has appeared in many French TV shows including Platane, and after moving to the UK, he was in the cast of Antony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre in London in 2018. Recently, we caught up with Samuel who answers our questions about booking his role of Julien in Emily in Paris, working on the Netflix series and appearing in Antony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre.

How did it feel booking your regular role of Julien in Emily in Paris and was there anything that drew you to the character?

Booking the role of Julien felt surreal. When I read the script for the first time, I remember thinking that Julien was my favourite character, and I was so happy to be the one who was going to bring him to life on screen.

Can you tell us about Julien and what is he like to play?

Julien is the cool outsider. His attitude matches his colourful and impeccable outfits. His freedom is so satisfying for me to portray.

What was it like returning to set to film Series 2 and see your character develop?

In the second season we get to dive more into Julien’s world. We get to see him flirt, to see him be competitive, professional… after having done a full season, it was all about having fun with the character now.

How has it been seeing the viewers’ response to the recently released Series 2?

It was like seeing all the work we did being rewarded. I can’t stop being humbly grateful for the love and support that the audience gives to the show.

What is it like being part of the cast and do you have a favourite aspect of working on the show?

It’s like being part of a big family and home is in Paris. There are so many things that I love about this job and one is working with those incredible people. From the cast and crew to the creative team.

For those that haven’t seen Emily in Paris, why would you recommend watching it?

The show is new, fresh, easy to watch, and I am sure that it will put light into the heart of the viewers.

The show has announced a third and fourth series, what are you most looking forward to for returning as Julien?

I am looking forward to many new outfits!

You have appeared in a number of French TV shows including Platane, can you say about some of them?

Working on Platane was a nice experience, and I got the opportunity to work with the actor and creator of the show: Eric Judor. One of the funniest guys.

In 2018, you were performing at the National Theatre in Antony and Cleopatra, what was this like to do?

The National Theatre is a prestigious place and sharing the stage with those talented actors was an honour for me.

Had you always wanted to be an actor and how did you start?

I used to want to be a game designer but I changed my mind and went into a drama school in Paris, and then in the UK.

Can you tell us about your training and about some of the shows you performed in whilst there?

The training wasn’t easy because I couldn’t speak English at first and the classes were intense. After I graduated, I did my first play at the Camden People’s Theatre. It was The Misanthrope by Molière, a classical French comedy.

Do you have any favourite TV shows or films to watch?

I don’t really have a favourite but I really enjoy Power Book 2 and Attack on Titan at the moment.

How do you like to spend your time away from your career?

I write, I dance, I play video games and spend as much time as I can with my loved ones.

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