Italian charmer Marcello Muratori has left a swoon-worthy impression on the viewers since his first appearance in Netflix’s fourth installment of Emily in Paris. The man is oozing with charisma and many viewers have taken notice of Emily’s character development moments after he came into the picture.
Considering the amount of his screen time, we don’t know much yet about Marcello’s true character and the pieces of baggage he carries. The good thing, however, is he’s not as mysterious as the actor who portrays him.
In an exclusive interview, Eugenio Franceschini who plays Marcello in the series sat with PAGEONE and shared more of his personal and professional journey.
Get to know more about the man behind Marcello ahead.
Franceschini talks with Lucas Bravo a lot.
Fans of Emily in Paris know the tension between Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and Emily (Lily Collins) since the first season, but with Marcello’s unforgettable appearance and “rizz” in Season 4, Gabriel’s chances of rekindling his relationship with Emily seems to fade. Although a different kind of tension between Marcello and Gabriel can be felt as they vie for Emily’s heart and hand, they might be closer than we think.
In the interview, Franceschini shared how he talks with Bravo off-camera mostly during breaks from their shoot, revealing a genuine connection between the two actors. “I had only one scene with him but I spoke with him a lot out of the scene,” he shared.
“I found him super funny, super smart guy. I like him, really. I’m not joking or I’m not saying things just to say that. He’s an amazing guy, very smart, and he knows what he wants. I like him, really,” Franceschini added.
This candid exchange highlights the easy camaraderie between Franceschini and his co-stars, not only with Lily Collins who he describes as his closest friend on set. His off-screen bond with Bravo only adds another layer of warmth to their on-screen performances, offering fans a glimpse of the friendly dynamics behind the scenes.
Franceschini shares something in common with Marcello.
Unlike Marcello, who hails from a wealthy family with a London education, Franceschini grew up in a small village in Verona, nestled in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. He prefers to live his life away from the glitz and glamour, protecting the life he has built for himself and his family. Despite the stark contrast in their backgrounds, Franceschini feels a strong connection to Marcello, particularly in their shared desire for privacy.
“[Marcello is] not a normal man with a normal life. He’s special,” Franceschini said. “My background is more normal, I grew up in a small village in the countryside in Verona. One thing I think we have in common is he doesn’t like to show how important he is…” he shared.
While Marcello may exude irresistible charm and an undeniable presence, Franceschini reveals that his own down-to-earth nature mirrors his character’s subtlety, proving that humility can be just as captivating as wealth and power.
For Franceschini, vulnerability in a relationship matters.
For Franceschini, vulnerability is not just a personal value—it’s a crucial element in any meaningful relationship, something he believes extends beyond his own life and into his portrayal of Marcello in the series.
In the show, Marcello’s magnetic charm and suave demeanor are undeniable, but beneath that exterior lies a man who, like everyone, carries his own vulnerabilities. Franceschini connects with his character on a deep level, emphasizing that relationships—whether romantic or otherwise—are rooted in trust, acceptance, and the willingness to embrace each other’s weaknesses.
Drawing from his own experiences with love, he shares, “I think it’s important to speak about our weakness. If you want to stay with a person for all your life, the first thing is that this person has to accept your weakness. This is important.”
For Franceschini, both off-screen and in his role as Marcello, it’s the courage to be vulnerable that ultimately strengthens the bonds we share with others.
Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are Franceschini’s favorite filming locations.
Certain filming locations hold a special place in Franceschini’s heart, not just for their beauty but for the unforgettable moments they offer behind the scenes.
Among his favorite spots are the iconic Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps in Rome, both of which are not only central to Emily in Paris but also etched in his memory. While these locations are typically teeming with tourists, he recalls the rare opportunity to experience them in solitude, away from the crowds.
“Absolutely Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps,” Franceschini revealed. “I think [we filmed at] 5 a.m. and it’s all for us. It was the first time that we have this piece of art just for [us] and it was really a moment that I will keep with me for the rest of my life absolutely,” he expressed.
The experience, as Franceschini describes it, was a rare gift, capturing the magic of Rome in a way few are lucky enough to see.
Franceschini will be portraying a policeman in a new TV series.
Franceschini is stepping into a completely new role for his upcoming TV project, where he’ll be portraying a policeman, a shift from his previous characters and an exciting challenge for the actor.
Although details are still under wraps, Franceschini teases the project, which was filmed on December. “It’s Italian, only in Italy. It will be also on Rai, RaiPlay—that is a channel for the national TV,” he said. “I think it’s coming out maybe next fall.”
While Franceschini admits that the role of a policeman is a dramatic departure from what fans might expect, he is excited by the opportunity. “Yeah, completely [different]. I’m a policeman, so it’s completely another thing.”
His excitement is palpable, hinting that this new character will allow him to explore different dimensions of his acting range.
Franceschini’s path to stardom reflects both his talent and his deep commitment to his craft. After making his film debut in 2012 with ‘White as Milk, Red as Blood’, his performances in ‘Sapore di te’ and ‘Maldamore’ earned him the Guglielmo Biraghi Award, marking a major milestone in his career.
As he embraces new challenges, including his role as a policeman in an upcoming TV series, Franceschini’s career is clearly on an upward trajectory, and audiences can look forward to many more compelling performances from this rising star.
