Lena Hall Discusses Collaborating with Jon Hamm in Your Friends & Neighbors
Lena Hall has nothing but positive remarks for her Your Friends & Neighbors co-star, Jon Hamm.
“He is an incredible actor,” Hall, 45, shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “This really highlights him as an exceptionally talented performer. He excels in both comedy and drama, and this project encapsulates both.”
Your Friends & Neighbors, set to premiere on Apple TV+ on April 11, chronicles the story of disgraced hedge fund manager Andrew Cooper (Hamm), who resorts to thievery among his wealthy neighbors after being fired. Alongside Hamm and Hall, who portrays Hamm’s sister, Allison “Ali” Cooper, the series features Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Mark Tallman, Donovan Colan, Hoon Lee, and Aimee Carrero.
“I adore this project because it reminds me of Breaking Bad,” Hall explained. “It explores the moral dilemmas that arise when your life crumbles overnight. When everything is stripped away in an instant, what choices do you make to restore your former life? And do you genuinely want to return to that life? Are you prepared to undertake actions you’d never normally consider to preserve that existence, or will you become an entirely different person?”
Hall informed Us that when she received the call about the project, her character as Hamm’s sister was already written, and it felt “tailored” for her.
“It was essentially made for me,” she noted about her role, emphasizing that the atmosphere on set was “incredibly professional,” particularly Hamm, who also serves as one of the series’ executive producers.
“He’s our lead,” she said. “Not only does he embody the show, but as an executive producer, he has a lot on his plate, and he’s just remarkable. I truly admired Jon.”
Assuming the role of the lead’s younger sister felt “very natural” to Hall, who described Hamm as a “very protective” pseudo big brother.
“That dynamic was enjoyable for me to explore with him,” she explained to Us. “He’s such an excellent improviser, so he would go off script and I’d take the lead and follow him. It was just a fun experience playing his little sister — it creates a different vibe than being a romantic interest.”
In the series, Hamm’s character is “extremely protective of his little sister,” Hall continued, adding that her character has “many flaws” but also possesses a “big heart.”
“I believe [their relationship] provides Jon’s character the opportunity to reveal his genuine feelings to the audience,” she stated. “The family dynamics really highlight that his character comes from a place of profound love and commitment to his family. His sister significantly reflects that throughout the storyline.”
Your Friends & Neighbors will be available on Apple TV+ on April 11.
