Jennifer Morrison Talks Directing“ Five Star Weekend ”and Honoring the ‘Heartbeat’ of Elin Hilderbrand’s Book“ ”(Exclusive)

**Jennifer Morrison Talks Directing ‘The Five Star Weekend’ and the Creative Journey Behind the Adaptation**

Jennifer Morrison has recently shared her excitement about directing the new adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel, *The Five Star Weekend*. The series, available on Peacock and featuring actress Jennifer Garner, marks a significant project in Morrison’s directing career. The actress, best known for her role in *Once Upon a Time*, directed four out of the eight episodes and expressed how much she cherished the source material.

In an interview, Morrison revealed her journey to becoming involved in the adaptation. “I had read the book and loved it, because I just thought the concept of putting these five friends together from different times in your life was just so relatable,” she explained. “When I heard that there was a show being made of it, I was all over it.” Driven by her passion for the book, Morrison actively sought a role in the production, believing in its potential.

The narrative of *The Five Star Weekend* revolves around Hollis Shaw, played by Garner, a renowned chef grieving the sudden loss of her husband. As part of her healing process, Hollis invites her closest friends from various stages of her life to her beach house on Nantucket for a weekend reunion. The ensemble cast includes Chloë Sevigny, Regina Hall, D’Arcy Carden, and Gemma Chan, all of whom Morrison had not previously collaborated with but was eager to work alongside.

Meeting Jennifer Garner for the first time was a highlight for Morrison. “We had several friends in common and were one degree of separation for a long time,” she recounted. “It was exciting to finally meet and collaborate on set, especially after hearing that we would hit it off.” The chemistry among the cast was evident, and Morrison highlighted her admiration for each actress’s unique talents.

Filming took place over a month on Nantucket, making it a rare opportunity to capture the island’s beauty on screen. Morrison noted that the production was one of the longest to shoot in the area, which has historically seen only brief filming sessions. “Nantucket is very much a character in the book, and it’s very much a character in the show,” she stated. The authenticity of the location added depth to the storytelling, providing a rich backdrop for the characters’ interactions.

Despite the challenges of working on location — including managing tight shooting schedules and tricky scenes, especially those involving ferry rides — Morrison expressed that the experience was rewarding. “We were always chasing the sun,” she said, but the atmosphere of Nantucket proved to be invaluable for the project.

Throughout the production process, Morrison continuously referred back to Hilderbrand’s novel, which helped maintain the essence of the original story. The author was supportive and collaborative, allowing the team some creative flexibility. “She was so thoughtful and smart, and she also advocated for creativity. Having her presence was truly inspiring,” Morrison commented. Hilderbrand’s encouragement created a confidence within the team that the adaptation would resonate with the heart of the book.

*The Five Star Weekend* marks Morrison’s 13th credit as a director as she focuses more on this facet of her career. “I’ve spent the last ten years mostly focusing on directing because it has been a really rewarding journey,” she explained. Although she remains fond of acting, she values the creative control directing allows her to exercise. “It gives me a little bit more freedom to choose the environments I work in. That said, I would still love to act — it just has to be the right project with the right people,” she reflected.

The anticipation surrounding *The Five Star Weekend* showcases not only Morrison’s directorial talents but also the richness of Hilderbrand’s story brought to life. Viewers can now enjoy the series, which is currently streaming on Peacock, as it beautifully intertwines friendship, grief, and the therapeutic power of companionship against the backdrop of Nantucket’s charm. Morrison’s dedication to the narrative is evident, promising an engaging viewing experience for fans of the original work.