Yellowjackets creator reveals how Season 3 is going to be an important one

Season 3 of Yellowjackets is already proving to be one of the most grueling yet. As co-creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson have revealed, the most recent episode of Yellowjackets Season 3, Thanksgiving (Canada), was included in their initial pitch years ago.

The current season is answering some huge questions while propelling the show in a daring new direction. In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Lyle and Nickerson discussed the most surprising moments, such as a huge death, the introduction of new characters, and how these events will affect the future of the show.

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The emotional goodbye to Coach Scott in Yellowjackets Season 3

The latest installment brought a devastating goodbye to Coach Ben Scott and actor Steven Krueger. Lyle talked about how hard it was to pen his death, explaining,

"We just knew that it was the story that wanted to be told."

She did reveal that the cast did have their hands on every avenue they could take to prevent his death, but the story ultimately dictated otherwise. Nickerson seconded this opinion, likening the loss of Coach Scott to

"getting rid of a room in your house that you can no longer go into."

He did admit that his leaving represents a big change, as his character added a unique emotional depth to the show. Though saddened by his departure, Lyle assured fans that Krueger is still a favorite member of the team, stating,

"We just love him so much, we will put him in any show we ever make."

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Natalie's defining moment

The other pivotal moment was when Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) carried out a mercy killing on Coach Scott. Nickerson said this scene defined Natalie's adult character. He said,

"The adult Natalie character that you encounter in present-day in Season 1, this was the moment that that version of her was kind of created."

Lyle pointed out Natalie's moral center, stating,

"While technically she's killing someone, it is, as you said, a mercy killing."

She added that this action was part of a greater arc in the show, establishing repercussions that will permeate the rest of the series. The showrunners consider Natalie to be the moral axis of the show, and her decisions have a profound impact on the direction of the group.

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The game-changing arrival of outsiders

A surprise twist near the end of the episode brought three new actors—Nelson Franklin, Ashley Sutton, and Joel McHale—onto the scene, where they stumbled upon the group's feast. This was years in the making. Lyle also shared her enthusiasm, exclaiming,

"It is my favorite moment in this season."

She even played the last 10 seconds of the episode for Franklin over dinner, highlighting how much she enjoyed it. Nickerson further added that this scene was included in their initial pitch, explaining,

"It was just really cool to have this big tentpole moment from the pitch come to life."

The arrival of these strangers drastically changes the direction of the show. Lyle said that when they initially came up with the idea, studio executives were flabbergasted, responding,

"The what? Hold on a second."

Now, years later, the time has come, and it is sure to bring the series to new heights.

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Yellowjackets Season 3 is living up to its promise of intense storytelling. The death of Coach Scott is a huge emotional turning point, and Natalie's moment of truth cements her position in the group's moral dilemma.

The introduction of the outsiders throws everything into turmoil, completing a vision engineered years ago. Lyle and Nickerson say that this season is answering huge questions and setting up even more mind-blowing twists. As Yellowjackets goes on, fans should be prepared for anything.