Yellowjackets fans have been buzzing with theories about Mari’s fate ever since the series began. Played by Alexa Barajas, Mari is one of the more mysterious and tense characters in the group.
At the season 3 premiere of Yellowjackets, Alexa Barajas dropped some major hints about her character’s future. Let’s break down what the actress said, how it connects to the show’s storyline, and what it could mean for Mari’s fate.
At the premiere, Barajas spoke with Deadline about the upcoming season and what’s in store for her character. “It was so much fun,” she said, reflecting on her experience playing Mari. She added,
“I think Mari has so much in her that even she isn’t sure about.”
Barajas hinted that Mari is often torn between wanting to feel accepted by the group and following her instincts. This inner conflict could lead to trouble. According to Barajas,
“I think she just follows her instincts so much … and she just keeps following feeling loved. I think she wants to feel accepted by the group until it bites her in the a*s.”
This statement suggests that Mari’s desire for acceptance might put her in dangerous situations, or even make her a target for the group’s growing violence.
Yellowjackets Season 3 kicks off with a scene that feels eerily familiar. Mari is seen running through the woods, chased by Shauna. This turns out to be part of a game of Capture the Flag. But despite being a game, the chase scene feels intense and symbolic, hinting at the tension building between Mari and Shauna.
During the game, Shauna catches up to Mari, body-slams her to the ground, and even bites her hand. This is more than playful roughhousing. It suggests that Shauna might see Mari as a threat, or even a future sacrifice.
Later in the episode, Mari’s fate takes a dark turn. Coach Ben sets a trap by covering a pit with a tarp and dirt. Though the trap was meant to catch prey, Mari becomes its first victim. She falls into the pit, mirroring the death scene from Yellowjackets Season 1.
Importance of the necklace in the story of Yellowjackets
The series opens with a chilling scene: a young girl is running for her life through a snowy forest. She looks terrified, and the haunting sounds of a wild rumpus follow her. Eventually, she falls into a pit filled with sharp stakes and dies. One key detail stands out, the girl is wearing a heart-shaped necklace.
The necklace is more than just jewelry, it’s a critical symbol in the story. Jackie originally owned it but later, Jackie gave the necklace to Shauna. In Yellowjackets Season 2, Shauna turns the necklace into a ritual item. Whoever draws the Queen of Hearts card is chosen to wear the necklace, marking them for sacrifice and cannibalism.
Before setting the trap, Ben discovers a hidden survival box labeled “KUH.” He covers it up, hoping to trap animals. But Mari’s fall into the pit marks a turning point. Although the pit wasn’t intended for her, it could be a clue to her eventual fate.
Mari hasn’t exactly been Miss Congeniality. Throughout the series, she’s had conflicts with several group members, especially Shauna, Misty, and Natalie. By the end of Yellowjackets Season 3, episode 2, Mari is being held captive by Ben. This captivity only deepens the others’ distrust of her.
Natalie’s role as the Antler Queen is crucial to the group’s survival and decisions. If Mari’s behavior causes further tension, Natalie might mark her as the next sacrifice.
So far, Mari’s fate doesn’t look promising. Her fall into the pit, combined with the group’s growing distrust, could spell doom. And if Shauna controls who wears the necklace, Mari could be the next to draw the Queen of Hearts card.
Mari’s role in season 3
Barajas also talked about Mari’s appearance in the first episode of season 3. Much like the iconic opening scene in season 1, Mari is shown running through the woods. However, this time, the chase turns out to be part of a game of Capture the Flag.
Barajas didn’t reveal everything about the scene, but she hinted that it could foreshadow bigger events. The scene shows rising tension between Mari and Shauna (Sophie Nelisse), who ends up tackling Mari to the ground and biting her hand. This act may seem playful, but it hints at deeper hostility between the two characters.
Barajas also touched on Mari’s relationships with the other survivors. Mari has often clashed with Shauna, Misty (Samantha Hanratty), and Natalie (Juliette Lewis). These tensions might become more dangerous as the group’s survival instincts turn more violent.
Barajas hinted that Mari’s attitude could put her at odds with the group.
“She’s torn a lot of the time,”
Barajas explained.
“I think she wants to trust them, but there’s always something holding her back.”
This growing distrust could isolate Mari even more, making her a prime candidate for sacrifice, or at least a major target.
Barajas didn’t comment directly on Coach Ben’s trap in season 3, but fans have noted that it could connect to Mari’s fate. The trap, originally intended to catch animals, might end up being used on one of the survivors. Mari’s tendency to run off on her own could make her the first victim.
One of the key moments in season 1’s pit scene is Misty removing her mask after the ritual sacrifice. Barajas doesn’t reveal much about Mari’s relationship with Misty, but it’s clear the two characters don’t get along. If Misty plays a role in the ritual again, Mari’s fate could be sealed.
Barajas hinted that Mari’s past decisions will have consequences in season 3.
“She just follows her instincts so much,”
Barajas said. But those instincts might not always lead her in the right direction.
This could mean that Mari’s impulsive behavior will backfire, leading to danger, or even death. Fans will have to wait and see how her story plays out.
While Alexa Barajas didn’t give away everything, her comments provide some major clues about Mari’s fate in season 3. Mari’s desire for acceptance, combined with her conflicts with the group, could lead to betrayal or even sacrifice. Whether she ends up as the mysterious Pit Girl remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, Mari’s journey will be anything but easy.
Stay tuned with Soap Central for more updates!

Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation