Cast of Yellowjackets

The Cast of Yellowjackets are Melanie Lynskey, Sophie Nélisse, Tawny Cypress, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Christina Ricci, Samantha Hanratty, Juliette Lewis, Sophie Thatcher, Lauren Ambrose, Liv Hewson, Simone Kessell, Courtney Eaton, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alves, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, and Elijah Wood.

Yellowjackets is a thrilling TV series on Showtime that has garnered a significant amount of buzz and anticipation for its second season. The show follows a high school girls' soccer team from New Jersey who experiences a deadly plane crash while on their way to a tournament.

The story takes place in both 1996, focusing on the characters' struggle to survive in the Canadian wilderness after the crash, and 2021, where the adult characters face a blackmailer threatening to expose their dark secrets. The first season of Yellowjackets received critical acclaim and earned seven Emmy nominations. The cast, including Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, and Christina Ricci, is returning for the highly anticipated second season.

Despite the cast's confidence in the project, they were taken aback by the overwhelming support and fan theories surrounding the series. Melanie Lynskey, one of the lead actresses, expressed her surprise at Yellowjackets' success, stating that she never expected it to become such a phenomenon. The show has captivated audiences with its intriguing storyline and compelling performances, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next installment. Let's delve into some details about the cast of Yellowjackets, including their previous roles and personal lives off-screen.

Sophie Nélisse as Teen Shauna

Sophie Nélisse, a Canadian actress, portrays teenage Shauna in Yellowjackets. Shauna is one of the survivors of the plane crash and quickly becomes entangled in complex relationships and secrets within the group. Nélisse described her character as having a mix of traits from other characters, including leadership, kindness, and a dark side that she herself is afraid to acknowledge. As season 2 approaches, it is expected that Shauna's hidden depths will come to light.

Before her acting career, Nélisse trained as a gymnast with aspirations of competing in the 2016 Olympic Games. However, she transitioned to acting after being cast in The Book Thief in 2013. She has also been recognized for her performances as Caroline in The Kid Detective and Alice in Monsieur Lazhar, which earned her a Genie Award in 2012.

Melanie Lynskey as Shauna

Melanie Lynskey, a seasoned Hollywood veteran, takes on the lead role of Shauna in Yellowjackets. Shauna is a complex housewife who survived a horrific plane crash and subsequent wilderness ordeal with her high school soccer team 25 years ago. Lynskey's attention to detail and insistence on continuity during the first season of the show earned her some initial annoyance from the production team.

However, she later felt justified as she realized the dedicated fanbase and their scrutiny of the show's details. Lynskey, who received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Shauna, also opened up about a body-shaming incident on set, which led to her costars rallying around her for support. Lynskey made her acting debut at the age of 16 alongside Kate Winslet in the film Heavenly Creatures.

She has since appeared in numerous notable productions such as Ever After, But I'm a Cheerleader, and Sweet Home Alabama, as well as TV shows like Two and a Half Men and The Last of Us. Lynskey was previously married to actor Jimmi Simpson, and she is currently married to Jason Ritter, whom she met while filming The Big Ask. They have a daughter together and got married in a private ceremony in 2020.

Jasmin Savoy Brown as Teen Taissa

Jasmin Savoy Brown portrays Taissa, the star player of the Yellowjackets in the series. Taissa is known for her intense competitiveness, but her life takes a dark turn when she starts experiencing unsettling supernatural episodes, despite her skepticism towards Lottie's claimed abilities. Brown developed a strong bond with co-star Tawny Cypress, who plays an older version of Taissa, although they ensured their performances didn't imitate each other.

They discussed the character's nuances and even delved into small details like pronunciation differences. Interestingly, both Brown and Cypress coincidentally stayed in the same building during the filming of Yellowjackets in Vancouver and discovered they shared a love for tortoiseshell cats. Besides her role in Yellowjackets, Jasmin Savoy Brown is recognized for her appearances in projects such as the fifth Scream film, HBO's The Leftovers, and ABC's For the People.

She demonstrated her versatility as an artist by creating, producing, and hosting The Homo Schedule podcast with co-star Liv Hewson. Interestingly, the podcast was sold to Netflix before Brown and Hewson knew that their Yellowjackets characters would have a romantic storyline. Brown is also a singer, having released two songs, "Orange Wine" and "goddamnit," on YouTube, with the latter featuring Hewson in the music video.

Tawny Cypress as Taissa

Tawny Cypress portrays Taissa in Yellowjackets, a former star player for the team who is now running for state senate. Taissa's pursuit of perfectionism and her desire to maintain a flawless image pose challenges to her political aspirations as her past with the Yellowjackets and her connection to her "other half" threaten to undermine her career. Cypress gained recognition for her role as art dealer Simone Deveaux in the popular TV series Heroes and has also appeared in shows like House of Cards, Unforgettable, and Inez & Doug & Kira.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Cypress was previously married to Bill Charles and they have a son together. She has been married to Tom Dillon since 2011. In the docuseries Queer for Fear, Cypress openly discussed her attraction to women and revealed that the film Heavenly Creatures, in which her Yellowjackets co-star Melanie Lynskey appeared, played a significant role in her coming out story.

Cypress's personal journey and her portrayal of Taissa in Yellowjackets highlight her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Samantha Hanratty as Teen Misty

Samantha Hanratty portrays teenage Misty, the equipment manager for the Yellowjackets in the series. While initially appearing bubbly and eager to please, Misty harbors a dark side and is willing to do anything to achieve her desires. Hanratty, in preparing for the role, had to tap into a different emotional state, as she found Misty's perspective to be distinct from her own empathetic nature.

She expressed a desire to offer support and encourage Misty to seek therapy, recognizing the character's unique mindset. Prior to her role in Yellowjackets, Hanratty had notable appearances in popular shows like Pushing Daisies and Shameless. She gained recognition for her breakout performance as Chrissa in An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong.

Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Hanratty is currently engaged to production assistant Christian DeAnda, with the couple announcing their engagement in November 2021 after DeAnda proposed during a seaside picnic. Hanratty's exploration of Christina Ricci's work and her own self-reflection aided her in portraying the younger version of Misty, adding depth to her performance in Yellowjackets.

Christina Ricci as Misty

Christina Ricci takes on the role of Misty in Yellowjackets, the former equipment manager of the soccer team known for her passion for online and in-person investigation. Misty, who felt left out during her high school years, becomes adept at manipulating others to her advantage, sometimes leading to unforeseen consequences for the remaining survivors.

Ricci, nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal, acknowledged that Misty is not a character she would personally choose to be friends with, but she enjoys playing roles that defy social constraints and moral boundaries. Ricci's acting career began at a young age, with her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family.

She went on to star in numerous '90s hits like Casper and Now and Then, as well as acclaimed films such as The Opposite of Sex, Sleepy Hollow, and Monster. She recently returned to the Addams Family universe in the Netflix series Wednesday and has had notable roles in TV shows like Pan Am and The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, which she also produced.

Beyond her acting career, Ricci serves as the national spokesperson for RAINN, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault. She is a mother to two children, with her son Freddie from her previous marriage and daughter Cleopatra with her husband Mark Hampton, whom she married in 2021.

Sophie Thatcher as Teen Natalie

Sophie Thatcher portrays teenage Natalie in Yellowjackets, a talented soccer player with a brash personality and a penchant for troublemaking. Despite her natural talent, she is considered one of the most "unlikely" teammates. During their time in the wilderness, Natalie forms a close bond with Travis, leading to significant consequences for the group.

Thatcher's portrayal of Natalie intentionally differentiates her from Juliette Lewis' character, showcasing a progression from a lighter, more loving nature to a dark and troubled state, which adds to the emotional impact of the character's journey. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Thatcher has also gained recognition for her role as a cyborg leader in Disney+'s The Book of Boba Fett.

She began her acting career in theater, starring in productions such as The Diary of Anne Frank, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Oliver!, and The Secret Garden. Thatcher's nuanced performance as teenage Natalie in Yellowjackets showcases her talent and ability to bring complex characters to life.

Juliette Lewis as Natalie

Juliette Lewis, known as a prominent "it" girl of the '90s, takes on the role of Natalie in Yellowjackets. Natalie is a punk rock adult struggling with sobriety and haunted by the aftermath of the crash. She develops a romantic connection with Travis, the son of their coach, during their time in the wilderness.

In the present day, Natalie attempts to uncover the mystery surrounding Travis's fate throughout the first season. Despite her tough exterior, Natalie shows vulnerability when discussing her trauma with Shauna, Taissa, and Misty.

Lewis gained recognition in Hollywood as a teenager, starring in notable films such as National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Natural Born Killers, and Cape Fear, which earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. In recent years, Lewis has appeared in films like August: Osage County and Ma before transitioning more towards television, with roles in The Act, Queer as Folk, and Welcome to Chippendales.

She is also a talented musical artist, having released albums as a member of Juliette and the Licks and as a solo artist. Throughout her personal life, Lewis has had high-profile relationships. She previously dated Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, both of whom she met on film sets.

Lewis was married to professional skateboarder Steve Berra from 1999 to 2003 and had a relationship with Brad Wilk, the drummer of Rage Against the Machine, in 2016, although they have since split.

Liv Hewson as Teen Van

Liv Hewson, an Australian actor, portrays the teenage version of Vanessa "Van" Palmer, the goalkeeper for the Yellowjackets in the series. Van is characterized by her positive attitude and is considered the unofficial mascot of the team, despite experiencing a traumatic incident after the crash. Hewson embraced Van's comedic voice in the ensemble and highlighted the show's blend of bleak tragedy and sharp comedy, which has resonated with viewers.

Van's superstitions and early belief in Lottie's teachings have sparked fan theories about her involvement in a ritual sacrifice that may impact the team. Hewson, who is non-binary, has been enjoying the support and adoration they receive from LGBTQ fans on platforms like Twitter. Prior to their role in Yellowjackets, Hewson gained recognition for portraying Abby Hammond in the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet and had notable roles in the film Before I Fall and the miniseries Marvel's Inhumans.

Hewson is also known for their advocacy work, particularly in uplifting LGBTQ voices in film and theater, which led to them receiving the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award in 2020. Their portrayal of Van in Yellowjackets has solidified their popularity and further cemented their contributions to the entertainment industry.

Lauren Ambrose as Van

Lauren Ambrose has been cast as Vanessa "Van" Palmer, the present-day version of the character, for Season 2 of Yellowjackets, confirming that the fan-favorite character made it out of the wilderness. In Season 1, the resilient goalie of the Yellowjackets, portrayed by Liv Hewson, begins a relationship with Taissa.

Ambrose expressed her desire to join the series after watching the first season and being captivated by Liv's performance, which led to her being part of the show's second season. Ambrose, known for her role as Claire Fisher in HBO's Six Feet Under, has recently wrapped up her appearance in M. Night Shyamalan's Apple TV+ thriller series Servant. The Connecticut-born actress has been recognized for her portrayal of Claire Fisher, receiving two Emmy nominations.

Additionally, in 2018, she received a Tony nomination for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of My Fair Lady. Ambrose is married to writer and director Sam Handel, and they have a son named Orson and a daughter together. Her inclusion in Yellowjackets adds to the anticipation for the second season of the show.

Courtney Eaton as Teen Lottie

Courtney Eaton portrays Lottie, the team's affluent member, in Yellowjackets. However, Lottie goes beyond the stereotypical rich kid trope, as she runs out of her schizophrenia medication after the crash and begins experiencing hallucinations that result in predictions impacting the rest of the team. Eaton explained that Lottie's life has been marked by being shut down by her parents and medicated, leading her to believe that her thoughts are abnormal.

The predictions she experiences become the first time her abilities are viewed positively. The Australian actress is recognized for her role as Cheedo the Fragile, the youngest of Immortan Joe's wives, in the post-apocalyptic film Mad Max: Fury Road. She has also appeared in films like Gods of Egypt and Line of Duty.

Eaton was previously in a relationship with former Disney Channel star Ross Lynch, her co-star in the movie Status Update, from 2015 to 2017. Currently, she is in a relationship with cinematographer Spencer Goodall. Eaton's portrayal of Lottie in Yellowjackets showcases her versatility as an actress in both doomsday scenarios and complex psychological narratives.

Simone Kessell as Lottie

Simone Kessell joins the cast in Season 2 of Yellowjackets as the adult version of Lottie, addressing the season 1 cliffhanger that Lottie is actually alive. Lottie, portrayed by Kessell, has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades and has reinvented herself as a leader and healer. She is described as leading a group of "broken toys," which can be seen as a cult-like following.

Lottie's character has found her voice and uses it to bring therapy and guidance to those who seek it, creating her own world in the process. Simone Kessell, known for her roles in projects like Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Our Flag Means Death, and Terra Nova, brings her talent and presence to Yellowjackets. The New Zealand native is married to Australian director Gregor Jordan and has two children named Jack and Beau.

With Lottie's return and her intriguing role as a leader and healer, Kessell's addition to the cast promises to bring a new layer of suspense and mystery to the series in its highly anticipated second season.

Ella Purnell as Teen Jackie

Ella Purnell takes on the role of teenage Jackie, the captivating and popular captain of the Yellowjackets soccer team in the series. Purnell aimed to portray Jackie as more than just a typical "Queen Bee" character, emphasizing her vulnerability and insecurities. While Jackie may occasionally come across as insensitive, Purnell believes it stems from her own insecurities rather than malice.

Despite only being seen in the '90s so far, Purnell has expressed her desire for Helena Bonham Carter to play an adult version of Jackie, citing their shared English background. Purnell began her acting career as a child on the West End before transitioning to notable film roles in Maleficent and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. She has also made appearances in TV series such as Ordeal by Innocence, Sweetbitter, and Star Trek: Prodigy.

Currently, Purnell is in a relationship with musician Max Bennett Kelly, and she has been previously linked to singer James Coates and fellow actor Asa Butterfield. Through her portrayal of Jackie in Yellowjackets, Purnell showcases her talent for bringing depth and complexity to her characters.

Kevin Alves as Teen Travis

Kevin Alves portrays Travis, the guarded son of the Yellowjackets' head coach, in the series. Travis is focused on protecting his younger brother Javi and develops a romantic relationship with Natalie as they navigate survival in the wilderness. Alves has expressed his comfort in playing an unlikable character like Travis, noting that the series' creators helped him understand Travis as a flawed teenager dealing with challenging circumstances.

Set in the mid-'90s, Travis embodies aspects of toxic masculinity and may not be easily likable by present-day standards. Aside from his acting career, Alves has a background as an internationally-ranked figure skater, having reached two World Figure Skating Championships and achieving a top-30 ranking in the world.

In addition to Yellowjackets, he has had recurring roles in Netflix's Locke and Key and Freeform's Shadowhunters series. Alves's portrayal of Travis adds depth to the character, exploring his complexities within the context of the challenging circumstances and societal norms of the '90s.

Steven Krueger as Ben Scott

Steven Krueger takes on the role of Ben Scott, the Yellowjackets' assistant coach, in the series. Ben carries the weight of being the sole surviving adult and having lost a leg in the crash. He also navigates the challenge of hiding his true sexuality while dealing with Misty's romantic feelings towards him.

Set in a time when being openly gay as a high school teacher was not accepted, Ben faces the decision of whether to continue hiding his true self or reveal the truth. Throughout the series, the character explores the complexities of this situation and contemplates the potential consequences of his choices.

Fans of The CW's Vampire Diaries spin-off, The Originals, may recognize Krueger from his role as the beloved character Josh. Originally from Sarasota, Florida, Krueger brings his talent to Yellowjackets, portraying Ben Scott with depth and nuance as he navigates the challenges and internal conflicts faced by his character.

Warren Kole as Jeff Sadecki

Warren Kole reprises his role as Jeff, Shauna's husband and Jackie's high school boyfriend, in Yellowjackets Season 2. Jeff's life didn't go as planned, and at the end of Season 1, he reveals his involvement in attempting to bribe the group of survivors to save his furniture business. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences, Kole portrays Jeff as a character who peaked in high school and now finds himself resigned to a mediocre and provincial existence.

He taps into his understanding of individuals from his hometown who have similar trajectories, adding depth to Jeff's portrayal as a New Jersey townie. Best known for his starring role opposite Jennifer Lopez on NBC's Shades of Blue, Kole brings his acting prowess to Yellowjackets.

He has also had recurring roles on Paramount+'s Why Women Kill and made a guest appearance on Prime Video's The Terminal List. With his personal connection to Jeff's character arc and experiences, Kole provides an authentic portrayal of a character navigating the challenges of adulthood and unfulfilled aspirations.

Elijah Wood as Walter

Elijah Wood will join the cast of Yellowjackets in Season 2 as a recurring guest star, portraying the character of Walter. Described as a dedicated Citizen Detective, Walter will challenge Misty in unexpected ways, according to Showtime. A sneak peek released by the network showcases Walter alongside Misty, welcoming viewers to the Bureau of Citizen Detectives.

This marks a reunion for Wood and Christina Ricci, as they previously shared the screen in Ang Lee's 1997 film The Ice Storm. Wood is widely recognized for his iconic role as Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy and has also appeared in notable films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the TV series Wilfred.

In his personal life, Wood became a father in 2019 when he welcomed his first child, a boy, with his fiancée, Danish film producer Mette-Marie Kongsved. With his upcoming role in Yellowjackets, Wood brings his talent and experience to the show, adding intrigue and complexity to the character of Walter as he interacts with Misty and the Bureau of Citizen Detectives.