Emeraude Toubia Talks ‘With Love’ Season 2 [Interview]

Emeraude Toubia’s audition scene for With Love is one that never made it into the show, but it allowed her to really explore the character of Lily Diaz.

I recently sat down with Toubia during the ATX Television Festival to talk about her role on the Prime Video series and her character’s journey in With Love Season 2. 

One of the things Toubia is most proud of when it comes to the series is how it tells stories of “traditionally marginalized people” by offering happy endings.

“More than a rom-com, it’s a show that’s breaking barriers. A show that helps Latinos have inspiration, have hope, see each other in this light. And then for people that are not Latino, awareness and a connection of how we all deserve these beautiful stories to be told. And we’re finally doing that with the show that Gloria [Calderón Kellett] created. So it’s really nice.”

Toubia also talked about working with Calderón Kellett, who in addition to creating the show, also plays the role of Gladys.

“She’s incredible. Gloria wore so many hats. She’s the first one on set. She’s become a mentor, a best friend. She holds all of our hands while she took us all under her wing. She creates a safe space to create and play and feel free to raise our voices. And it’s not often we find that in Hollywood,” Toubia said.

“I’m definitely going to miss her. I hope our paths keep crossing many, many more times because I feel a little spoiled working with her.”

When the audition first came up for With Love, it was one Toubia said “everyone was talking about” and that everyone wanted to be part of.

“I remember, I read the sides and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I love this girl. I’m just going to do this tape for myself.’ And they offered me the role right after.”

Toubia’s audition scene — which as noted above, was ultimately removed — was a confession with her priest. 

“She was talking about all her life, ups and downs. And it was just beautiful,” Toubia recalled.

By the end of With Love Season 2, Lily Diaz has been through a lot, and her character has evolved quite a bit because of it. Toubia spoke to how her character has evolved since we first met her in Season 1.  

“She starts rock bottom. She moves back in with her parents, trying to navigate societal expectations, family expectations, her own expectations. Where do you find yourself? Who are you as a person? And I feel like she’s still learning, but she’s owning up and she’s dealing with… I think it’s a lot more clear what she’s looking for and what she’s not willing to tolerate anymore.”

Of course, Season 2 also deals with a love triangle when it comes to Lily. For Toubia, Nick’s maturity was a really key component of how things unfolded.

“It’s like you tell someone you love someone, but then there’s something itching with the other one, and then he comes and he kisses you and you’re like, ‘Whoa, what’s happening?'” she said.

“Nick was so mature and said, ‘Yeah, are you over it? People make mistakes and I’m okay if you make mistakes, but do you choose me?’ And that to me was just absolutely beautiful. He’s so selfless and shows how much he loves her.”

Lily’s relationship with her brother is also complicated this season. 

“They go down a slippery slope, Lily and Jorge, which is really fun because I feel like life isn’t perfect, right? And even though the show shows a lot of beautiful things, you have to show when things aren’t great between people. And this time, it’s the siblings,” Toubia explained.

“I think they say a lot of things to each other that need to be said because Lily makes some mistakes and it’s normal.”

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Check out all of our coverage of the ATX Television Festival right here. There is a lot more to come!

With Love Season 2 is currently streaming on Prime Video.

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