Lucien Laviscount Teases ‘Emily in Paris’ Season 5: ‘Strap in’ (Exclusive)

There are just three months to go before Emily in Paris season 5 premieres, and if Lucien Laviscount can say anything about the upcoming episodes, it’s buckle up.

The 33-year-old actor joined the hit Netflix series in season 2 as Alfie, a new love interest to Emily (Lily Collins) who threw yet another wrench in the burgeoning chemistry between her and her neighbor, Gabriel (Lucas Bravo).

Things between Alfie and Emily are no longer romantic, and she’s instead starting a new era in Rome with Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini), but that just means they’re both sure to find plenty of drama elsewhere.

“All I’m gonna say is strap in,” Laviscount tells PEOPLE at a New York City event celebrating John Varvatos’ 25th anniversary and the launch of the brand’s newest fragrance, John Varvatos XX Elixir. “Because it goes left, so far left, and a little bit right this season.”

“I didn’t know what to expect — none of us do before we get the scripts — and we got the scripts for this season and it’s… Yeah, I don’t think anyone could have foreseen that coming,” he says, teasing some major twists to come. 

The cast — which also includes Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, Paul Forman and William Abadie — began filming season 5 in May, and Laviscount says it was “amazing” as usual.

“It’s good to be back — to be back in Paris. We shot quite a little bit in Rome as well.”

He adds of how the cast’s dynamics continue to evolve since the show’s premeire in 2020, “Lily’s a mom now. Everyone’s kind of fighting through life and in new relationships and new friendships and everything like that. So it’s been great to kind of get back in on set with everyone and see where everyone’s there.”

The British actor, who will next be seen in the highly-anticipated adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, also reflects on why he loves playing Alfie, four years after taking the part.

“I think Alfie kind of always speaks his truth, which I’d like to say is a trait of mine. In the most difficult situations, he speaks the truth. I like to say I’m pretty similar in that respect,” Laviscount says. “I love playing Alfie. Alfie’s been an amazing part of my life now. It’s been cool.”

Per the official synopsis, season 5 picks up with Emily as the head of Agence Grateau Rome after a shocking decision in the season 4 finale, but she’s facing “professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city.”

Just when things start to look up, “a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks” for Emily.

“Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.”

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Emily in Paris season 5 premieres Dec. 18 on Netflix.