Jennifer Morrison reveals she ‘fought her way’ to direct 'The Five Star Weekend'

Jennifer Morrison revealed that her passion for Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel The Five-Star Weekend inspired her to actively pursue the opportunity to direct the television adaptation.

The actress and director, who helmed four episodes of the Peacock series, shared that she immediately connected with the story’s concept and knew she wanted to be involved once she learned it was being adapted for the screen.

Morrison explained that she had already read and loved the book before production began, particularly relating to its exploration of friendships formed during different stages of life.

“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 and immediately gripped me,” she said.

When Morrison discovered that The Five Star Weekend was being developed into a television series, she said she was determined to become part of the project.

“So when I heard that there was a show being made of it, I was all over it,” she said.

The director added that her involvement came from a genuine connection to the material.

“It really just started from me loving the book and loving the concept, and then just kind of fighting my way to get in there because I really believed in it.”

Beyond her excitement for the story, Morrison also praised the opportunity to work with the series’ talented cast, including Jennifer Garner.

Morrison revealed that she and Garner had shared mutual friends for years before finally meeting on set.

“Jen Garner and I have several friends in common,” she said.

The pair had often heard about each other through their shared connections, making their collaboration a highly anticipated one.

“We were one degree of separation for a very long time and have heard about each other and heard of each other, so it was exciting to really get to meet and be together on set and collaborate.”

Morrison said their connection quickly lived up to the expectations of those around them.

“Everyone’s like, ‘You guys would love each other,’ and then we loved each other,” she added.