‘Yellowjackets’ Sophie Nélisse Reveals Cast Throws ‘Death Parties’ to Honor Fallen Characters

At the Yellowjackets season 3 premiere in Los Angeles on February 13, Sophie Nélisse, who plays young Shauna, opened up about how the cast deals with grief each time they lose a character.

“We find out when we get the script,” Nélisse shared. “We usually find out maybe a week before, and then we all get really sad. But what we love to do is we throw a death party in their honor.”

Along with Nélisse, Yellowjackets castmate Sophie Thatcher, who plays young Natalie, also reflected on her older self’s (played by Juliette Lewis) death in season 2.

Nélisse also explained how she unwinds after emotionally charged scenes, especially given the trauma her character, Shauna, faces. “What’s really helpful is that we get to have a really long drive back home,” she says. She often drives with Courtney Eaton, who plays Lottie, and the two have become close friends. “She has been my rock and the person that just helps me decompress,” Nélisse added. The pair enjoy quiet weekends, filled with meditation and saunas, to recharge.

As for her character, Nélisse says Shauna is in a very dark place. “We find Shauna at probably the lowest point in her life,” she said. “I don’t think she could undergo any more grief and trauma.” This heavy emotional weight causes Shauna to turn to anger, and Nélisse hints that Shauna will be a force to be reckoned with this season: “She’s unstoppable…very scary because she’s unpredictable, and she’ll be ready to cut anyone that gets in her way.”

Season 3 of Yellowjackets continues to air, with the third episode released on February 21 on Paramount+ and airing on Showtime February 23.

Thatcher, reflecting on the loss of her character’s older self, said, “It was really sad, and I love Juliette so much, and I love my character, Natalie… I could cry. I cry about her all the time. It was sad, but I think she lives on in a lot of ways.”

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!