The Antler Queen Is NOT Shauna! Revealed!

by

From the very outset of “Yellowjackets”, the enigma surrounding the Antler Queen has left me utterly intrigued. This figure, adorned with an ornate attire and antlers on her head beneath a veiled visage, remains shrouded in mystery. Is she one of the young women lost in the wilderness, another individual entirely, or perhaps even a supernatural force? The anticipation of unveiling her true identity has been gripping indeed.

Viewers often ponder about her position as queen and how she may have been involved in some of the dark events during the prolonged imprisonment of the young women. However, in the season finale of Episode 3 titled “Full Circle,” her true identity is unveiled, and it might not align with fans’ assumptions. Yet, it does provide a logical explanation.

The History of the Antler Queen in ‘Yellowjackets’

Initially, let’s revisit the chronicles of the Antler Queen. Unlike many characters, she lacked a personal name; instead, fans creatively labeled her with this moniker upon her debut. In the show’s pilot episode, she is introduced as she and other female figures partake in an unsettling ritual involving cannibalism.

In a previous instance, Lottie (Courtney Eaton) was spotted donning an attire resembling the Antler Queen’s, sparking speculation among fans that she could be the same character hinted at in the pilot. Given her role as a leader among the women trying to endure, this supposition holds water. Lottie appeared to have a unique bond with nature, frequently suggesting they should offer it what it required. This typically implied offering up a human life.

At some point, Lottie held the role that would later be recognized as the Antler Queen’s by fans. However, she ultimately passed this role onto Natalie (Sophie Thatcher). Given Natalie’s hunting skills, marksmanship, and leadership qualities, she appeared to be a suitable candidate for the position. Additionally, her near-death experience played a significant role in her selection. Initially, it was expected that Lottie would perish after drawing the Queen of Hearts card. However, when Javi (Luciano Leroux) drowned in the frozen lake instead, Lottie took this as a sign that she should not die, and thus retained her position.

During winter and extending into spring, summer, and autumn, Natalie maintained her role while the women reconstructed shelters outside following the cabin’s fire. She also managed Ben’s (Steven Krueger) trial after his capture, donning antler horns during this time. It seemed, then, that these horns signified a symbol of authority, emblematic of a queen.

In this situation, Lottie decided that Shauna should take over as leader instead of Natalie because the group was upset with Natalie for keeping secret where Coach Ben was hiding, betraying their trust. When she went against their wishes by mercy-killing Ben, it was the final act that pushed them to make a change. Consequently, Lottie chose Shauna to be the new leader. Upon assuming her role, Shauna announced that they would feast on Coach Ben’s remains that night and commanded Natalie to perform the necessary chopping tasks.

Who Is the Antler Queen in ‘Yellowjackets’?

In the final episode of Yellowjackets Season 3, the Antler Queen is officially coronated as Shauna, a development that fits perfectly with the narrative. Reflecting on past events, grown-up Natalie (played by Juliette Lewis) remembered encountering the Antler Queen in a vision while she was overdosing. In her dream, as she wandered through the empty plane aisles, the Antler Queen pursued her. Since Natalie had a strained and fractured relationship with Shauna during their time in the wilderness when Shauna became the Antler Queen, it’s no surprise that Shauna continues to haunt Natalie 25 years later. It also seems likely that Natalie has suppressed this reality or the reason for it.

In my humble opinion, “Shauna’s ascension is earned through her cold-hearted and relentless actions that strike fear in the hearts of others.” This transformation occurs when it’s unveiled that Mari, the Pit Girl, was chosen for this role due to Shauna. At Tai’s behest, Van manipulates the game to ensure Hannah selects the Queen of Hearts. However, Shauna boldly shifts her position and audaciously draws a second card, intentionally skewing the count, thereby securing Mari’s destiny instead of Hannah. It’s no surprise that Shauna and Mari had their differences.

In the pilot episode, when we remember the scene with Pit Girl, Mari unfortunately meets her end by tumbling into a pit filled with spikes, which instantly claims her life. Later, her companions mourn her loss, but Shauna urges them to pull themselves together and continue their tasks, as they have a feast to prepare.

In present day, Shauna recounts her memories as she journals, reminiscing about when she donned the attire of the Antler Queen and the ladies paid their respects to her. After uncovering the letter that Melissa (Hilary Swank) claimed to have sent along with the tape, a deluge of past events resurfaced. Shauna recalls the emotions she had suppressed for so long. It wasn’t about trauma; it was about the sense of power and grandeur she felt during those moments. Interestingly, while most of the ladies were yearning for salvation, Shauna flourished in that setting. She longs to regain that kind of influence once more. “I was a warrior,” she pens, “I was a fucking queen.

The Antler Queen Could Be More Than Just Shauna

Despite the fact that Shauna is recognized as the current Antler Queen, symbolically she might be more significant than her physical role suggests. As Simone Kessell, who portrays adult Lottie, explained during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Antler Queen is not just one individual but a collective spirit that has helped these women endure in the wilderness.

From Shauna’s behavior, it seems that her survival instinct wasn’t her primary concern. Instead, her experiences in the wilderness were about asserting control, exerting authority, and perhaps even seeking immortality or an extended lifespan. In other words, she found a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond the basic necessities for life. After being rescued, Shauna seemed to lose that empowered, vibrant part of herself. She got married, had a child, and went about her daily life without the same level of passion or control, essentially feeling powerless.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about the intense emotions I once felt amidst the untamed wilderness – the same exhilaration that coursed through me like a torrential river. It’s that same raw, primal energy that surged within me when I found myself locked in combat with Melissa, and it was as if the beast inside of me had been awakened once more. Shauna yearned for that moment then, and she continues to crave it now, though she had long denied it to herself – until now, that is.

Delving into her personal reflections, it’s clear that Shauna is slowly reconciling with the truth: that she was truly alive in the wilderness, and has been anything but since. If you’re intrigued by this compelling narrative as I am, don’t miss out on “Yellowjackets” – catch it exclusively on Paramount+ with Showtime!

Read More

2025-04-11 10:32