Unveiling Season 3 of 'Yellowjackets' After the Shocking Demise of Adult Natalie
Season 3 of 'Yellowjackets' continues with Misty's accidental killing of Natalie, causing a ripple effect As the story unfolds, returning cast members face uncertain futures, while the series explores new characters and intriguing plot twists
Yellowjackets left audiences stunned with a series of unexpected plot twists leading up to the third season. The show features a dual timeline, following a high school soccer team as they navigate a plane crash in the wilderness, and then catching up with them as adults over twenty years later.
In May 2023, during the second season, Lottie (Courtney Eaton) stepped down as the leader of the group and passed the role to Natalie (Sophie Thatcher). The group woke up to a fire caused by Coach Ben (Steven Krueger) that burned down their cabin after eating Javi (Luciano Leroux) together. Meanwhile, in the present-day timeline, Lottie (Simone Kessell) proposed a sacrifice for the darkness, prompting a tense confrontation. Ultimately, Natalie (Juliette Lewis) stepped in to defend Lisa and tragically lost her life.
Following the shocking finale, Ricci disclosed that the cast was largely unaware of the decision to kill off adult Natalie. "I didn't know until shortly before we shot the episode. We all love Juliette. I love Juliette. We've gone through so much on the show, grown close, fought, reconciled, and loved each other - we're like sisters," she recalled to Variety. "I think we were all very upset and saddened by Natalie's death. It was tough to shoot. It was very emotional. We filmed a lot more than what ended up in the episode of me holding Juliette while she was dying and such. Those were really tough and upsetting scenes. I ran into Juliette the next day at the airport, and we both started crying again."
The actress suggested that Misty will grapple with the consequences of her decision that resulted in Natalie's death, commenting, "It was a terrible mistake. She acted impulsively - another example of her characteristic immaturity and selfishness - by intending to harm the person who was going to harm her friend. Her motivation was to protect her friends, but really it was about fulfilling her own desires. It was a disastrous choice."
Continue reading for all the details on season 3 of Yellowjackets:
Where Does the Story Pick Up?
Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME
Natalie was killed by Misty with a phenobarbital injection intended for Lisa, which seemed to satisfy Lottie, who believed that the darkness accepted Natalie as a sacrifice. Lottie also hinted to Van that the darkness would heal her cancer as a result.
The previous timeline focused on the aftermath of Javi's drowning and how the group prepared him as their next meal. Travis gave his approval for the others to eat his brother by biting off a piece of Javi's heart. Coach Ben was disgusted by the behavior, which led to a series of events that ended with the group's cabin being burned down.
Which Cast Members Will Return?
The present story line is anticipated to feature the return of Melanie Lynskey, Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Ambrose, Kessel, Warren Kole, and Sarah Desjardins. Meanwhile, it is also expected that Sophie Nélisse, Samantha Hanratty, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Thatcher, Eaton, Liv Hewson, Alves, and Krueger will reprise their roles in the past timeline.
Who Has Exited the Series?
Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME
Lewis announced her departure from the show after the season 2 finale.
In May 2023, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work on @yellowjackets and praised the incredible talent and chemistry of the cast. She expressed her belief in the team's ability to accomplish anything and expressed her admiration for the ever-growing cast.
Lewis has not yet addressed whether there is potential for her to return in flashback sequences.
Why Was the Production Scheduled Pushed?
In May 2023, production of the show was initially delayed due to the WGA strike. The cocreator, Ashley Lyle, expressed excitement to return to the writers' room once a fair deal was reached, via X (formerly Twitter). Two months later, actors joined the writers on the picket line, and both strikes were resolved by the end of the year.
Lyle provided an update on the progress of the writing process in December 2023 during a SAG-AFTRA panel, stating, "We're fully immersed in the writing. Everyone returned with tremendous enthusiasm, eager to dive in and creatively reenergized. We're thoroughly enjoying ourselves and are extremely excited about it."
What Future Awaits the Teenagers?
Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME
Lyle discussed the choice to set fire to the girls' cabin, stating during the panel, "We aimed to challenge the team in a fresh manner, and what could be more effective than removing their primary shelter?"
Are There Plans for More Seasons?
While season 2 was still airing, Lyle hinted that there was a plan for five seasons.
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“We aim to craft the most compelling narrative possible, which entails neither rushing nor prolonging the story unnecessarily. Our goal is to reach a natural conclusion point,” she expressed to The Hollywood Reporter in March 2023 regarding her vision for Yellowjackets.
Who Might Be the Pit Girl?
Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME
Five characters from the past timeline, including Coach Ben, Mari, Akilah, Gen, and Melissa, have unknown fates. The most probable candidate to be the Pit Girl, based on the brief glimpse provided in the pilot, is Mari.
