‘Emily in Paris’ Ashley Park Reflects on Mindy Having ‘More of a Space and Voice’ in Season 2
Emily in Paris has been a successful series for Netflix, and season 2 has given fans plenty to talk about. Much of the drama (and comedy) has revolved around protagonist Emily’s chaotic love life, but Ashley Park‘s portrayal of Mindy takes on new depth in the second season. As Emily in Paris fans have fallen even more in love with this fun character, Ashley Park reflects on what portraying Mindy was like and what she hopes will happen for the character in the future.
‘Emily in Paris’ season 2 is now available on Netflix
Emily in Paris revolves around the story of Emily Cooper (played by Lily Collins). When the young marketing strategist gets sent away to Paris to work on the social media revamp for a luxury marketing company, she’s living out her dream job. The first season premiered in 2020 and brought us plenty of Emily’s antics, particularly a focus on her sometimes-steamy love life.
Fans were eager for more, but the pandemic had even the show’s stars wondering if there would be a second season. As actor Ashley Park (who plays Emily’s BFF Mindy) explained to Vogue, “When our first season came out, it was the height of the pandemic, so we were all separated, didn’t get to celebrate together, and didn’t know if the second season was going to be able to happen.”
Luckily, the stars aligned, and season 2 did come together. It dropped on Netflix on Dec. 22, 2021.
Ashley Park says Mindy has ‘more of a space and voice’ in season 2 of ‘Emily in Paris’
The second season of Emily in Paris promises fans more of what they loved about the first: more drama, more laughs, and more chaotic romps through Emily’s love life. Another element that gets decidedly deeper in season 2 is Park’s character Mindy.
This season takes Mindy from clear sidekick territory and into a dynamic character of her own. As Vogue writer Ilana Kaplan explains, Park’s own musical talents get a major spot on the series: “Showcasing Park’s Broadway background, Mindy’s musical ambitions are front-and-center as she gigs her way throughout Paris and gets to sing everything from BTS’s ‘Dynamite’ to an original song composed for the show.”
Speaking to People, Park dished on how this different take on Mindy provided fans with more of the character. Park reflected that Mindy “definitely has more of a space and voice and screen time this season, and Emily gets to know Mindy better. They’re really there for each other as friends, and the audience is getting to know Mindy better too.”
Park has high hopes for Mindy’s future
There have been some rumblings of concern about the potential for a season 3 of Emily in Paris. Not everyone was thrilled with season 2 on the whole, and Netflix has definitely unceremoniously canceled series that didn’t live up to their expectations before.
Fans breathed a sigh of relief when on Jan. 10, Netflix announced that Emily in Paris was renewed for season 3 and season 4, according to Glamour.
As far as Mindy’s role is concerned. Park told Vogue that the character has already surpassed her wildest expectations, as she went from a side character to someone with much more screen time.
Park explained, “Selfishly, I would love for Mindy and Emily to take a trip somewhere again. But also, Mindy is somebody who comes from a world of extremes. She’s an heiress. She was in business school. It’d be interesting to see the Mindy that got away from all that.”
