Lucas Bravo on Reviving ‘Fun Gabriel,’ His HBO Villain Turn, and Clooney as His Hollywood Mentor

Lucas Bravo, the French actor who captured global attention as Gabriel, the charming chef in Netflix’s hit romantic comedy “Emily in Paris,” is navigating a multifaceted career path. While preparing for the highly anticipated fifth season of the popular series, where he aims to reintroduce a more lighthearted version of his character, Bravo is also deliberately exploring darker and more complex roles. His recent work includes portraying a morally ambiguous figure in HBO Max’s limited series “The Seduction,” showcasing his range beyond the romantic lead archetype. This deliberate expansion of his filmography is part of a broader ambition to defy typecasting, a journey he discusses alongside his memorable experience working with Hollywood icons George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and how Clooney has become a significant mentor in his career.

Bringing Back ‘Fun Gabriel’ for ‘Emily in Paris’ Season 5

Since his breakout role as Gabriel in “Emily in Paris” five years ago, Lucas Bravo has become synonymous with the charming French lover. However, the actor has expressed a desire to evolve his character. For the upcoming fifth season, Bravo is focused on bringing back what he describes as “fun Gabriel.” He noted that previous seasons saw the character go through a “gloomy” phase, which he famously likened to turning Gabriel into “guacamole.”

In a recent interview, Bravo shared insights into the character’s trajectory, stating that Gabriel is poised to return to his Season 1 persona. This shift suggests a more proactive and enjoyable storyline for the character, reflecting a collective desire from the cast and crew to address audience demand for a less burdened Gabriel. Bravo acknowledged that while he appreciated the proactive elements of Season 4’s first half, the latter part felt somewhat melancholic. He emphasized that any actor welcomes the opportunity to play more enjoyable roles, aligning with his vision for Gabriel’s return to a more cheerful disposition.

Embracing the Dark Side: Playing a Bad Guy in HBO’s ‘The Seduction’

In stark contrast to his amiable “Emily in Paris” role, Lucas Bravo has actively sought out projects that allow him to delve into the darker facets of masculinity. His role as the morally corrupt Comte de Gercourt in HBO Max’s limited series “The Seduction,” loosely based on “Dangerous Liaisons,” exemplifies this ambition. Bravo describes Gercourt as a character where he could explore the nuanced complexities of a villain, aiming for a portrayal that is subtly terrifying rather than overtly aggressive.

Bravo’s approach to Gercourt was to embody a snake-like calmness, believing that bad guys are scarier when their malice is understated and unexpected. He worked closely with director Jessica Palud, who gave him considerable freedom to reinterpret a character from a centuries-old literary work. This creative liberty allowed him to imbue Gercourt with a quiet intensity, where fear is sparked more by his eyes than by his physicality. This exploration of “gray areas” in human beings aligns with Bravo’s belief that contemporary storytelling is moving towards richer, more nuanced portrayals of characters. Beyond “The Seduction,” his roles in films like “The Balconettes” and “Libre” further underscore his commitment to exploring the complex and sometimes troubling aspects of the male psyche.

How George Clooney Became His Hollywood ‘Godfather’

Lucas Bravo’s career trajectory saw him starring alongside Hollywood veterans George Clooney and Julia Roberts in the romantic comedy “Ticket to Paradise.” This experience proved to be profoundly impactful for the young actor, who had primarily completed only one season of “Emily in Paris” at the time. He describes the opportunity as “the most amazing experience of my life” and credits both Clooney and Roberts for taking him “under their wing.”

George Clooney, in particular, has become a significant mentor, or “godfather,” in Bravo’s professional life. Bravo recounted that Clooney and Roberts provided invaluable protection, guidance, and advice, with Clooney maintaining contact and offering continued support. Living in France, Clooney has remained a close friend, and Bravo has had the privilege of visiting him. The most profound lesson Bravo learned from observing Clooney on set was his selfless approach to acting: Clooney’s primary goal in any scene was to make his scene partner shine. This observation profoundly influenced Bravo’s own acting philosophy, teaching him that a selfless performance ultimately enhances one’s own work. He fondly recalls Julia Roberts’ warmth, describing her smile as bringing “rainbows and butterflies.”

Navigating the Industry and Future Endeavors

Lucas Bravo reflects on the five years since “Emily in Paris” premiered, acknowledging the challenges and insights gained from being in the public eye and growing with a popular character. While he understands the public’s connection to Gabriel, he also expresses a natural aversion to being typecast, pushing himself into diverse roles to showcase his versatility.

Working with Lily Collins, the titular star of “Emily in Paris,” has also been a transformative experience for Bravo. He commends Collins for her unparalleled professionalism, dedication, and keen insight, crediting her with elevating his own performance. He considers her a “genius” for her ability to contribute meaningfully to the narrative, even in seemingly casual moments.

Looking ahead, Bravo has recently wrapped filming on Gilles de Maistre’s “Melodie for a Bear.” In this project, he plays a bear wrangler, a role that took him significantly out of his conventional acting experiences. The film, set in the Canadian forest, tells a story of a father and daughter reconnecting and required Bravo to spend three months immersing himself in the world of bears and learning to play the violin. He jokingly noted that he left the production with “bear friends” and newfound skills in handling and interacting with them. This unique role highlights his continued pursuit of challenging and unconventional projects that broaden his artistic horizons.

Conclusion

Lucas Bravo’s career trajectory is a compelling blend of maintaining a beloved role while actively seeking growth and challenging new experiences. From the charming streets of Paris as Gabriel to the darker narratives of “The Seduction,” and guided by the wisdom of mentors like George Clooney, Bravo is consciously shaping a diverse and impactful career. His commitment to nuanced storytelling and his willingness to step far outside his comfort zone suggest a versatile actor with a promising future, eager to explore the full spectrum of human experience on screen.