interview by JANA LETONJA

Actor Paul Forman will be reprising his role in Netflix’s hit series ‘Emily in Paris’, when it returns for the second part of Season 4 on 12th September. This Summer, he was also one of the leads of Paramount+ series ‘Stags’. Some of Paul’s previous roles include ‘Doctor Who’, Amazon’s ‘Richies’ and ‘Frank of Ireland’, and Starz! Series ‘The Spanish Princess’.

Paul, what can we expect from the second part of the fourth season of ‘Emily in Paris’? Will we see some things resolved or be left with more questions?

You can expect the same opulent fashion and locations, and new ones which will not disappoint. The cast were definitely shocked while reading some scenes in the scripts, so I think the audience will be too. I’m excited for Emily’s trip to Rome, it’s a magical city and visiting everyone there was my best memory of the season.

What is in store for Nicolas in the upcoming episodes?

We’ll get to see more of the internal pressures he has to deal with and the tough choices he has to make between his relationship and his career. There’s a deeper understanding of the family dynamics and the pressure he’s living with.

coat and trousers MOSCHINO
sunglasses SAINT LAURENT
ring and braceletDAVID YURMAN
boots ISABEL MARANT

What did getting cast on this hit series mean to you, and what do you enjoy the most about it?

I remember watching season one when it came out and saying to myself “Gosh, I’d love to be seen for this show”. When the audition came through for Season three, I couldn’t quite believe it. Things happened so fast, it was only a matter of three or four days from the casting process to shooting in Paris, so I didn’t have time to allow any other feeling than just pure focus, and I haven’t looked back since. No matter what happens from here, I’ll always be grateful to Darren Star. He gave me a family for the rest of my life.

This Summer, we’ve also seen you in Paramount+ series ‘Stags’. How did you juggle filming and promoting both shows at the same time?

Filming ‘Stags’ was an extraordinary experience. I shot for ten weeks straight, in a prison, where the stakes were high. Every day, you’re filming scenes where it’s quite literally life or death. It was all about survival and I’m incredibly fortunate that I had such a wonderful team working alongside me. And two days after I wrapped, I was on set for ‘Emily in Paris’. It couldn’t have been a more polar opposite project. Here, we were shooting in the most elegant and gorgeous locations. Similar to the previous season, I couldn’t waste any time on processing what had just happened, instead I was hyper focused on embracing this new, ever so slightly, more polished world. I learnt to relish working at that pace.

suit and t-shirt MOSCHINO
ring DAVID YURMAN
sock Paul's own

What did you enjoy the most about your role in ‘Stags’?

‘Stags' felt like a new chapter, a fresh start. I’d never been in that genre before and I was truly mesmerised by the script. Daniel Cullen, the writer, did a magnificent job with this. I couldn’t predict any of the outcomes or foresee any of the twists, it was fast paced and an absolute rollercoaster. I loved being part of that and I look forward to have an audience see a different side of me.

Out of all the roles you’ve filmed so far, which one has challenged you creatively the most and why?

Out of film and television, I wouldn’t be able to pick a most challenging one. Each project has its own demands, some are physical, others mental, and I couldn’t possibly play favourites on those difficulties. I always seek a challenge and hope to be stretched further and further as my career progresses. Bring it on I say. That’s a huge part of why I do what I do. Perhaps my biggest challenge out of this entire art form is the industry itself. Going years without work, it’s been the most arduous yet formidable test of my life.

shirt and jeans GREG LAUREN
necklace ISABEL MARANTS
socks Paul's own

How did your passion for acting begin? Was there a particular moment that sparked your interest in it?

My passion for cinema came first, that was inherited from my mother. We’re both such cinephiles and have many family traditions around the performing arts, such as attending the BFI London Film Festival every year where we’ll watch 2 or 3 films a day. The festival lasts for 2 weeks, so after 25 films I usually need a break. In hindsight, it makes complete sense that I became an actor, from being the class clown to just fooling around in front the mirror “You talking to me?” All throughout my childhood, the signs were always there, but alas, the option to act was never presented to me. I went to a French school in London with a strict curriculum that was very academic and there were no opportunities to try drama classes, or even play football with a normal ball for that matter. They were sponge balls, can you believe it? Anyway, the turning point was university, where I had joined the drama society for social reasons. As soon as I got to act, to learn my lines, to be on stage, I knew right then and there that I had found my element. It was love at first sight and I haven’t looked back ever since. I consider myself the luckiest man in the world.

blazer, shirt and trousers ISABEL MARANT
tank top CDLP
shoes LACOSTE
ring DAVID YURMAN

You are also passionate about fashion and are a regular at fashion weeks. What do you love the most about fashion?

I see fashion as another form of storytelling, so as an actor, of course I’m attracted to those ideologies. It’s more abstract than a film or a play, but it forms a character nonetheless. It’s a type of expression that you can’t always quite pinpoint and I love that freedom and space for interpretation. Your fashion is a chosen identity and in a world where people are often so quick to place you in a box, how wonderful is it that you get to claim some control.

What role does fashion play in your life in general, and how would you describe your style?

I associate fashion with storytelling and identity, and I tend not to overthink it. I’m changing every single day of my life, so I choose outfits based on how I feel on the day while wearing them. No more, no less. Some days I’m feeling frisky and cheeky, others I feel like a sack of potatoes. Fashion just informs others how I feel that moment.

coat, sweater and trousers GIVENCHY
boots ISABEL MARANT
sunglasses MOSCOT
ring DAVID YURMAN

What is coming up next for you? What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

A project I’m very excited about at the moment is the play I’m writing. Theatre plays a major part in my life and I would love to do more. For me, it’s the actor’s dream. You are solely responsible for your performance and I cherish that feeling. You get to experience your journey from start to finish each night, and you have to be completely truthful at all times because a live audience is relentless, as they should be. There are no crying inducing sticks or tennis balls as scene partners, there are no 2nd takes in case you forget your line or ADR sessions in case you mumble. It’s just you, your scene partners and the audience, and it’s raw and imperfect and I love it. I’ve been working on this play for years and I think I’m edging closer and closer to releasing it into the world. Having said all that, I don’t want to diminish any other type of performing art. I always want to keep growing and learning, I’m always hungry for more, so I’ll keep reading and auditioning for film and TV until I find the right project for me.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent PAUL FORMAN
photography BENJO ARWAS
styling SEPPE TIRABASSI at The Wall Group
grooming CANDICE BIRNS at A-Frame Agency using STMNT and DIOR Beauty
producer ALEXEY GALETSKIY
production team IVAN SHENTALINSKY
photography assistant TYLER GURD
styling assistant JANICE ANGELICA
retouching MODE STUDIOS UK
studio AGP WEST STUDIO
editor-in-chief TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
special thanks to AGP WEST STUDIO and ALEXEY GALETSKIY

IN CONVERSATION WITH PAUL FORMAN

IN CONVERSATION WITH CORNELIA GUEST

IN CONVERSATION WITH CARLOS CUEVAS