Yellowjackets season two left us at the edge of our seats. Natalie, of course, took center stage, making a splash in both timelines. In the wilderness era, Natalie seemingly took on the role of the Antler Queen, while in the future/adult timeline, she met her death. There was also a ramp of cannibalism, and a huge fire sprung up, destroying the team’s only shelter the snow. Phew! But it looks like it will be a while before we return to the wilderness. Yellowjackets season three has shared its release window, and the show won’t resurface until 2025. However, to tide us over, we’re getting behind-the-scenes tidbits and quotes from the cast about the future of the show.
As 2025 draws near, the Yellowjackets cast and crew gave fans a few morsels to devour via a Vanity Fair interview. Cast photos pairing the teens with their adult counterparts are a delight. But what was even more exciting was a promise that a few of our burning Yellowjackets questions will get answers in season three. “There are at least two very big questions with very clear answers,” co-creator Ashley Lyle said.
There are things that will get obvious answers, like who torched the cabin at the end of season two. It seemed like Coach Ben but we know this show loves to deliver a twist. The more likely questions that will get answers are about who dies in the pit and perhaps if Natalie is the Antler Queen that we saw in the show’s opening scene.
Hilary Swank Joins Yellowjackets Season Three
According to Deadline, Hilary Swank has joined the hive, aka Yellowjackets season three. Swank will appear in Yellowjackets as a recurring guest star, however Deadline writes, “there is an option for her to become a series regular should the hit series get a fourth season.”
There are no details currently available about the character Hilary Swank will play on Yellowjackets, however, Deadline notes that she “will be introduced later in the season.” Very mysterious.
Joel McHale Joins Yellowjackets Season Three
Variety reports that Joel McHale has joined Yellowjackets as a guest star in season three. There is no word yet on the specifics of the role he will play.
Elijah Wood’s Walter Will Return in Yellowjackets Season Three
In a new behind-the-scenes look from the set of Yellowjackets season three, we learned that Elijah Wood’s Walter would be back for more wilderness fun. We’re glad to hear it because we absolutely loved Wood’s turn in the series and Walter’s hilariously wonderful dynamic with Misty.
You can check out the full Yellowjacket season three tease below. Who knows what you might see.
Yellowjackets‘ Season Three 2025 Release Window
According to Deadline, Yellowjackets season three will not release until 2025. The publication reveals, “Following the writers and actors strikes that delayed production for most scripted series, the writers room for the Showtime psychological thriller reopened in September. Pre-production for the series was shut down just one day after the WGA strike began last May.”
Although work on Yellowjackets quickly resumed, Deadline notes, “The third season of Yellowjackets will not be premiering until 2025.” No further specifics on the release are currently available.
Yellowjackets‘ Bonus Season Two Episode
In June of 2023, Yellowjackets‘ showrunner Ashely Lyle teased a bonus, secret episode that would take place between seasons two and three. At the time, Lyle indicated the episode would release closer to season three. Of course, that was before the height of the Hollywood strikes truly hit. Since this tease, we haven’t heard anything more about the release date of the secret episode. But we’ll certainly have our ears open.
Juliette Lewis on Returning as Adult Nat in Yellowjackets
Although we’ll have to wait a little longer for more Yellowjackets, comments from the cast and crew will hopefully sate our hunger until the series can return to our screens. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Juliette Lewis, who plays the now-dead Natalie, kept the door open for more from the chaotic character in adult form. The publication notes that “Lewis seemed open to the idea of her character returning in a flashback or some other way.” The actress further shared, “I don’t know anything, but I think that’s a good idea. We’ll see what happens.”
Yellowjackets is a show where the surreal happens every day, after all. If a man with no eyes can be running around causing trouble and Shauna can give a makeover to her frozen friend in ghostly form, then Natalie could certainly pop up in some form or another.
The Rest of the Cast Tease Yellowjackets Season Three
But Lewis wasn’t the only cast member to recently tease the future of Yellowjackets. Here’s what we gleaned from other cast members about the series’ future.
Samantha Hanratty Talks Misty’s Relationships
First up, Samantha Hanratty, who plays teen Misty, spoke to Entertainment Tonight and The Hollywood Reporter about Yellowjackets season three. She offered about Adult Natalie’s death, “Juliette Lewis is such a fantastic actress that [it] really breaks my heart. They’re such a big part of the show. I think that with that grief, it’s gonna bring out a lot of interesting levels of the other characters and I’m really excited to see that. Sophie Thatcher (teen Natalie) is gonna keep Natalie’s legacy living.”
And then, turning to the wilderness timeline, Hanratty shrewdly notes, “The first year is this chaotic mess. The second year was almost this creepy stillness of winter. And now, it’s like the defrosting; the meltdown… We might be entering into another season, I’m thinking possibly spring. The snow will melt and our messes will show. That’s what I’m thinking.” It is important to note that Hanratty has not yet seen a season three script, but her speculation is likely as informed as possible.
Additionally, Hanratty hopes that Misty will find some sort of closure after killing her friend Crystal in the woods. And she’s excited to see where the fascinating character’s relationship with Coach Ben will go should he have been the one to burn down the team’s cabin. She notes, “Finding out that he did that [possibly burning down the cabin] after she saved him, I feel like she has something in store for him. It would be fun to see that.” We hope Coach Ben is ready.
Steven Krueger Envisions Blood on the Horizon
Speaking of Coach Ben, the actor who plays the sole adult in the wilderness, Steven Krueger, believes there’s lots of blood on the Yellowjackets season three horizon. He revealed, “I think season 3 will probably be the wildest, bloodiest season that we have. Granted, we don’t know anything to be fair. Granted, we don’t know anything to be fair. I’m just guessing that’s where it’s going.”
The Yellowjackets Are Buzzing for Season Three
The rest of the team also echoed these sentiments. Courtney Eaton, who plays teen Lottie, shared, “I feel like we’re going downhill for the characters. I don’t think there’s much light or happiness going on.” Meanwhile, teen Shauna’s actress, Sophie Nélisse, concluded, “We’re going definitely very feral. Like it’s getting feral.”
Given all that, we feel hungry for Yellowjackets season three all over again—2025 can’t come soon enough.
Originally published on January 16, 2024.
