Gemma Chan Defends Her “Five Star Weekend” Character’s Affair Storyline: ‘I Wanted to Humanize Her’ (Exclusive)

Gemma Chan has opened up about her character’s complex narrative in the new Peacock series, *The Five Star Weekend*, sharing her determination to avoid portraying Gigi as a mere antagonist. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, the actress expressed her desire for Gigi, the enigmatic new friend of protagonist Hollis, played by Jennifer Garner, to be portrayed in a multidimensional light rather than fall victim to the clichés of villainy.

In the adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, Chan takes on the role of Gigi, a figure who unexpectedly arrives at Hollis’ Nantucket beach house during a weekend getaway intended for Hollis and her three friends: her childhood confidant Tatum, her college companion Dru-Ann, and her fellow mother, Brooke. Gigi’s presence complicates an already intricate reunion, particularly when it is revealed that she had an affair with Hollis’ late husband, Matthew, prior to his death.

Chan, now 43, articulates her perspective on Gigi as a flawed individual, stating, “I think she’s a flawed human being, like we all are. She’s made mistakes, and there are consequences, but her heart is in the right place.” She firmly believes in Gigi’s potential for redemption, suggesting that her character’s motivations stem from a genuine desire to connect with the other women.

As the weekend unfolds, Gigi’s secret surfaces, leading to confrontations with Hollis’ friends, who grapple with whether to disclose the truth to Hollis. This tension peaks when Gigi, overwhelmed by the unfolding drama, attempts to leave Nantucket. However, a storm foils her plans and forces her into an emotional exchange with Hollis that is described by Chan as “very intense.” Reflecting on their dynamic, she praised Garner’s performance, saying, “I couldn’t have asked for a better scene partner.”

The actress recalled that their intensive scenes required an emotional release, resulting in the two mutually acknowledging the weight of their portrayals. “We had to give each other a hug at the end of the day and just be like, ‘I’m so sorry we had to do such intense scenes,’” she shared. This acknowledgment underscores the challenging nature of their characters’ relationship, which evolves dramatically throughout the series.

Chan is optimistic about Gigi and Hollis’ relationship going forward, indicating that there remains “hope” for them to find resolution. She believes that the series concludes with a sense of potential for growth rather than absolute closure, stating, “I wanted to make sure that by the end of this series, we feel like Hollis has experienced some growth. There’s a little bit of forgiveness, but it’s crunchy and it’s not perfect.”

Showrunner Bekah Brunstetter also chimed in on the series’ thematic aims. She expressed a desire to evoke empathy for Gigi, highlighting the complexities of her actions: “To me, it’s a more interesting story than if she were just nefarious.” Brunstetter believes that attributing humanity to Gigi’s situation fosters a richer narrative experience for the audience.

Brunstetter further remarked on the absurdity of the scenario, revealing that her approach involved infusing the story with a hint of whimsy amidst the turmoil. “You have to opt into the premise,” she said, reflecting on how real-life complexities often mirror the chaotic situations depicted in the show. This blend of realism and absurdity aims to invite viewers to engage with the characters’ struggles deeply.

As *The Five Star Weekend* debuts on streaming platform Peacock, both Chan and Brunstetter’s insights hint at a narrative grounded in emotional truth, showcasing the intricacies of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of connection. The series has sparked discussions about representation in storytelling, notably the portrayal of women in complicated situations, and offers a fresh perspective on the journey toward understanding and forgiveness.

*The Five Star Weekend* is currently available for streaming on Peacock, allowing audiences to explore the layered relationships and challenging dynamics as they unfold on screen.