Leighton Meester to Star in "The Weekend Away"

Variety.com: “Gossip Girl” actor Leighton Meester is set to star in Netflix’s twisty thriller “The Weekend Away,” an adaptation of the novel by Sarah Alderson.

The psychological thriller takes place amid weekend getaway to Croatia that goes awry when a woman is accused of killing her best friend. As she attempts to clear her name and uncover the truth, her efforts unearth a painful secret.

Along with Meester, the cast includes “Batwoman” actor Christina Wolfe, Ziad Bakri and Luke Norris.

Alderson is adapting the screenplay, with Kim Farrant (“Strangerland,” “Angel of Mine”) set to direct.

“I am so excited to see ‘The Weekend Away’ make it to the screen,” Alderson said in a statement. “To have adapted my own novel makes it even more special, and I am thrilled that Leighton will be bringing this character to life.”

A prolific author, Alderson has published 20 books throughout her career such as the best-selling young adult novels “Hunting Lila,” “Losing Lila,” “The Sound” and “Out of Control.” Her other works include the mind-bending thrillers “In Her Eyes,” “Friends Like These” and “The Stalker.”

“The Weekend Away” marks Meester’s first film role in some time. Her recent feature credits include the 2019 crime drama “Semper Fi” and the 2014 indie drama “By the Gun.” On the small screen, she appeared in the sitcom “Single Parents” with Taran Killam and had guest roles on the sci-fi comedic drama “The Orville” and “The Last Man on Earth.”

Ben Pugh, Charlie Morrison and Erica Steinberg will produce “The Weekend Away” for 42 as part of their overall deal with Netflix. Kari Hatfield of 24 is executive producing the film.

Alderson is represented by UTA, literary agent Amanda Preston and Mady Niel at 42.