IN CONVERSATION WITH RENAN PACHECO
interview by JANA LETONJA
French-Brazilian actor Renan Pacheco recently starred in the 4th season of Netflix’s hit series ‘Emily in Paris’. New up, we’ll be seeing him in four upcoming projects, both American and French productions.
full look VERSACE
We’ve recently been able to see you in the fourth season of ‘Emily in Paris’. Tell us what this role meant to you and for your career.
The cameo I did in the fourth season of ‘Emily in Paris’ was definitely significant visibility on an international scale. But before all, it was a really fun way for me to connect with my audience who resonate with the show’s humor and with this French character I really enjoy portraying. I kept the surprise from everyone and it was exhilarating to see my audience's reaction when they saw me on the show.
What was it like working on a show with such a strong international fanbase?
It was both exciting and humbling. The enthusiasm from viewers around the world adds a layer of excitement to the work and pushes you to give your best. To me, projects like this are the best reminder that storytelling has the power to transcend borders and bring people together.
full look VERSACE
You’ve spent time working in both European and American productions. How would you describe the biggest cultural differences between the two film industries?
One of the biggest cultural differences is the approach to storytelling and the production scale. European productions often prioritize a more intimate, nuanced perspective, and American productions focus on more ambitious entertainment. But after all, I see in these two industries the same type of passionate people who want to tell amazing stories.
How do you manage the challenge of working on back-to-back projects across different countries?
While this felt overwhelming in the beginning, what has helped me the most has been to let go of controling my schedule and going with the flow of life. I’m more and more comfortable not knowing in which country I’ll be next week. I relax into the flow of my work and I go where the wind takes me. Like a free bird.
coat, trousers, and shoes ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
gloves BUSTED BRAND
You’ve been traveling back and forth between France and America. How does constant travel impact your approach to work and your lifestyle?
It has definitely trained me to adjust quicker to new environments and time zones. When it comes to my work, every time I have a new scene, I listen and trust my instinct instead of overthinking it. When it comes to my personal life, I had to set my priorities straight, which is to stay connected with my loved ones.
What do you enjoy most about working in different locations, and are there any aspects you find particularly challenging about this?
Immersing myself in different cultures is definitely a fuel for my inspiration. I’ve been traveling my entire life and to this day it’s what makes me feel the most alive. I’m always so grateful when I’m called for a project that takes me to a destination I’ve never been before.
jacket HIROKO HATA courtesy of BAD SHOWROOM
shirt FINE CHAOS
trousers MM6 MAISON MARGIELA
shoes CAMPERLAB
necklace DAVID YURMAN
With 1.4 million Instagram followers, you’ve clearly built a strong connection with your audience. How do you balance sharing both humorous and meaningful content?
Balancing humorous and meaningful content comes down to one thing for me, authenticity. I strive to be genuine in my posts, and as humans we all go through phases of both happiness and introspection. I like to give my audience access to the different sides of who I am, the actor, the traveler, the (over)thinker. I hope to write both funny and deeper monologues that resonate with various aspects of everyone's own experiences.
coat FINE CHAOS
trousers PHIPPS courtesy of CULTIREEDIT
boots CAMPERLAB
Fashion seems to play a big role in how you build your characters. Can you tell us more about how you use fashion to enhance or define a character’s personality?
Fashion has always been a powerful tool for character development. When I get an audition, the first thing I do is dress up as the character. I choose his outfit, his perfume, his hairstyle. Then, I get into his accent and his mannerisms. It enables me to start having fun and connecting with my character. It’s one of the most fun parts of the process. I love it and absolutely recommend it.
What are some of your go-to styles or brands in your personal style?
My personal style varies a lot depending on what destination I am in. In Paris, I love wearing brands like Saint Laurent, Loewe and Acne Studios for their impeccable cuts and their effortless elegance. But I’m always the proudest of the one on one finds that I get in thrift shops all over the world.
jewellery DAVID YURMAN
gloves VERSACE
trousers PHIPPS courtesy of CULTIREEDIT
Are there any specific roles or projects you dream of pursuing in the future?
I dream of pursuing roles that challenge me both emotionally and physically. I will keep on doing comedies my entire life as it’s what makes me feel the most alive while on set. However, I also want to evolve into projects that resonate on a human level and that are thought-provoking. I’m currently on set for a project that really struck me when I read the script, and I hope it will connect with viewers on a deeper level.
What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?
I am very grateful to have some exciting projects on the horizon, a mix of American and French productions. While I can’t reveal too much yet, I have been blessed to participate in 5 projects filmed in 2024 and beginning of 2025. 2 American shows on streaming platforms, 2 French TV shows and a French movie that will be out in theaters in April 2025.
I am very excited as they all enabled me to portray very different characters from different ethnicities and backgrounds. I can’t wait to share them with you all.
sweater MM6 MAISON MARGIELA
trousers PHIPPS courtesy of CULTIREEDIT
boots CAMPERLAB
TEAM CREDITS:
talent RENAN PACHECO
photography DYLAN PERLOT for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS
styling BRANDEN RUIZ
grooming GHOST ARTISTRY using R&CO for hair, KIEHLS for skin prep & TOM FORD COMPLEXION
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
