J Morrison – Photo Noah Asanias OG1 Jill Morrison Talks ‘Project Blue Book’ and ‘To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You’ [Exclusive Interview] Jill Morrison (photo credit: Noah Asanias)

Jill Morrison Talks ‘Project Blue Book’ and ‘To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You’ [Exclusive Interview]

Interviews, Motherland: Fort Salem, TV Movies

It’s only February, but 2020 is already shaping up to be a big year for actress Jill Morrison.

Morrison can currently be seen on History’s Project Blue Book, a series based on the true, top-secret investigations into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena conducted by the United States Air Force, as well as on the Netflix original film, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.

Then, coming up next month, you’ll also be able to catch Morrison on the Freeform series, Motherland: Fort Salem.

Morrison took the time to answer a few questions about all three of these projects, and she also revealed one essential item she’s glad is becoming popular again! 

Tell-Tale TV: You’re currently starring on A&E’s Project Blue Book. What’s the best thing about working on this series?

Jill Morrison: The best thing about working on this series is the creative team behind it. The storytellers are amazing. The writers, the producers, the high caliber of directors they hire. There isn’t a weak link.

It’s also such a lovely environment, where we are creating something wonderful. It has been thrilling for me to work with some incredible directors.

Jill Morrison Photo Noah Asanias OG7
Jill Morrison (photo credit: Noah Asanias)

Tell-Tale TV: It must be fascinating to work on a project like this that’s based on a real story. Is there anything in particular that you’ve been surprised to learn?

Morrison: It was a history lesson every time I was on set. What shocked me was how much we — people, the government — have known, and for how long, about the existence of other life forms, and how many higher-ups knew about it.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s been one of your favorite scenes to film on the series?

Morrison: My favorite scene will be coming up later this season with Michael Malarkey. Michael is wonderful to act with, and we get to do a pretty intense high stakes scene and it was very whispered and secretive and super fun to do.

Also, anything I get to do with Mimi (Laura Mennel). Faye really cares about the other characters, so relationships get to develop this season, and any time I get to even be in the same room as the legendary Aiden Gillen is a joy!  

Tell-Tale TV: What can you share about what’s in store for your character throughout the rest of this season?

Morrison: Faye sees the bigger picture often, mostly because the people she revere’s and respects do (Quinn and Hynek and Mimi) so she will step outside her safety zone for the people she cares about. And for a higher purpose.

Tell-Tale TV: You’re also on To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, which is now out on Netflix. Talk a little about your role on that film.

Morrison: Lara Jean has some new romantic adventures in this, and just new adventures in general. And she goes to volunteer at a seniors home where I run the home! My character’s name is Dorothy (named after the director Micheal Fimognari’s daughter) which is something I just learned when I met the little cutie at the premiere.

My character is sweet, sarcastic, and straightforward. It was so fun to play along with the incredible Holland Taylor and the rest of the cast. We got to do lots of improv as well, and it was a blast. I didn’t know what lines were gonna make it to the final cut, so it was so fun to see what did. It’s such a lovely, wonderful movie. I’m so proud to be a part of something that will make people feel happy.

Tell-Tale TV: That franchise has become immensely popular, as have romantic comedies like this on streaming platforms as a whole. Why do you think that genre is something we’re so interested in right now?

Morrison: Well, what’s more conflicting, dramatic, exciting, terrifying and wonderful than love? So I would say stories about it will always be popular. Especially when it’s that soul mate, tear your heart out kind of love.

We all want it, we all want to watch someone else have it, and we love a little scandal, don’t we? Also, the movies are funny. What’s more appealing than laughter in a world where we really really need it?

Jill Morrison - Photo Noah Asanias OG1
Jill Morrison (photo credit: Noah Asanias)

Tell-Tale TV: Then this spring, we’ll get to see you on a new Freeform series, Motherland: Fort Salem. How did you become involved in that project?

Morrison: I know the creator, Elliot Laurence, had a very specific idea of Berryessa, and I believe what I offered was a flavor of comedy that they were looking for. And that’s what I bring to her, with her power, her kindness, her bravery, and loyalty. She was just easily a part of me. It’s magical when that happens.

Tell-Tale TV: Can you describe the new series in just three words?

Morrison: Revolutionary. Sexy. Strong.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything else you can tease about Motherland: Fort Salem? What can you say about your character on the show?

Morrison: There are a number of different elements of accumulating power as a witch in this show. But Berryessa teaches the girls how to reach their full potential, through some interesting lessons that may surprise you.

This role-reversal show really celebrates women and their power. And Berryessa guides them through some unique lessons.

Tell-Tale TV: And finally, what’s something in popular culture you’re loving right now?

Morrison: Scrunchies! Haha, I don’t know if that’s a good answer. But I’m really happy about the return of scrunchies. And never-ending emoticons.

Be sure to catch Jill Morrison on Project Blue Book, airing Tuesdays at 10/9c on History, and on To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, now streaming on Netflix. Motherland: Fort Salem will premiere March 18th at 9/8c on Freeform.

*Featured image credit: Noah Asanias

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Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.