I think you may be exactly right about him sitting somewhere watching the whole passing scene,probably sipping drinks with the "director" of the project,critiquing it. By now they should recognize that they are going to have to do a better job of rehearsing the lines and developing the roles of the families of the "stars".
The Italian was shot in the back of the head, if you're talking about one of the 4 who were held together.
In fact, the other 3 must still be held, haven't heard anything about them lately. Except for the news that there were demands for either money or release of prisoners for the 3, made to the Italian govt, who told the terrorists where to go. No deal.