Yellowjackets has cemented itself as must-watch TV over the course of its first two critically-acclaimed seasons. This is partly due to its writers’ willingness to kill off major characters in shocking fashion – but that doesn't necessarily mean they’re gone for good.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, series creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson discussed the events of Season 2 –which included cannibalism, and the death of one of the show's main characters. Interestingly, they have not had many opportunities to do so, since upon Yellowjackets' Season 2 release, the Writer's Guild of America went on strike. This caught Lyle and Nickerson on the first day of their Season 3 writers' room, which had to stop immediately, but it also meant that they couldn't engage in promotion of the series. "It was a strange experience to have to quietly watch on the sidelines," explained Lyle.

When asked if there was anything they would like to explain about the second season which they hadn't gotten a chance to, Lyle responded, "One thing I’m really glad that resonated was how amazing our younger cast was in Season 2. It was not an easy shoot. Because it was the winter, and it was, by design, very claustrophobic and meant to be very internal, I think it was not easy for them emotionally to go through that, because they are so committed, and I think their work really speaks for itself." The writer duo also referenced David Lynch as a point of inspiration, at least insofar as not over-explaining their work, and really letting the audience figure out what it means to them.

Lyle and Nickerson also discussed the killing off of Juliette Lewis' character, adult Nat. The two writers explained that this was always part of the plan, it had just been a matter of finding the right moment to make it happen. "We have a broad plan, but where things happen and some of the details around them are smoothed out with the room and in the breaking process," said Nickerson. "It was probably during the broader strokes planning of Season 2. ." Lyle added, "[Planning her death] was pretty early in Season 2, and I think it will become pretty clear the way in which it was designed to not only be a big moment and a big death, but a catalyst for story moving forward in Season 3. I think that will become more apparent to the audience as they’re watching Season 3."

When asked whether Lewis would make a return as Nat, Lyle responded, ", but it’s not something that we’re completely closed off to. We think Juliette is incredible, and her character is really meaningful for the entire world of this show." Though they seemed to confirm that it didn't "make sense" for her to return in Season 3, the writing duo made it clear they were very open to the possibility. Aside from Lewis, the series stars Fallout's Ella Purnell, Heretic's Sophie Thatcher, Christina Ricci, Melanie Lynskey, The Lord of the Rings' Elijah Wood, and more.

The first two episodes of Yellowjackets' third season are streamable on Paramount+ with Showtime starting on February 14.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter