Yellowjackets season 2 ending twist addressed by star Sophie Thatcher
Teen Natalie actress Thatcher unpacked that big twist which is sure to shake things up heading into season 3.
**WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS FULL SPOILERS FOR YELLOWJACKETS SEASON 2.**
The season finale of Yellowjackets saw two major twists for Natalie, as played by Sophie Thatcher as a teenager and Juliette Lewis as an adult.
The teenage Nat was anointed by Lottie as the Antler Queen, while the adult Nat was accidentally killed by Misty, sacrificing herself to save Lisa.
Reacting to the double-twist in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Thatcher said that the ending was "pretty devastating" and "really tragic" for the character.
She said: "Everyone has been through a lot, but Nat is the one who has been taking it all in most intensely, and letting it live inside of her and bubbling up, so there’s something really sad about that."
Reacting to teenage Nat becoming the Antler Queen, Thatcher said this is "probably why she is the Natalie we see. She’s gone through so much and now she’s taking on more guilt.
"She’s going to be carrying more guilt [as the group’s leader] and she’s going to continue this journey of self-destruction."
Thatcher explained that she had a conversation with director Karyn Kusama before they filmed the finale, and that she told her: "This is the turning point. This is what makes her who she is. And, the guilt is really heavy".
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When the interviewer suggests the title of Antler Queen could still be fought over, Thatcher said: "Exactly. I think it will mess up the group dynamic no matter what. And no matter what, it’s going to be exciting.
"But it doesn’t mean that she is going to fully take over that role. Because, you don’t see her reaction after that scene.
"I think there is a sense of accomplishment and that she feels seen, for once, for everything she’s done. So I think she’s going to try to hold onto that and wouldn’t just completely dismiss or throw it away immediately.
"But I think the group is going to react terribly. I think there’s going to be tension between her and Shauna, because Shauna obviously has endured so much and felt like she was the natural one to fall into that role.
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"I think it’s just going to start more conflict. Not that things were going well, but they had a leader that people agreed on and now everything is thrown out of sorts. People don’t even like Natalie that much.
"They trust her, but she’s not giving them what Lottie was giving them."
This season of Yellowjackets saw plenty of other revelations throughout, including what happened to Lottie and how Jackie met her grisly fate.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.