Yellowjackets: Why Natalie Actress Juliette Lewis Left As A Series Regular

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In the thrilling series “Yellowjackets,” no one is guaranteed survival, as demonstrated by the fact that several key characters have met their end since the show’s premiere. One particularly heart-wrenching death occurred at the close of Season 2, when Juliette Lewis‘ character, Natalie Scatorccio, succumbed to an unintentional phenobarbital injection administered by Misty Quigley, portrayed by Christina Ricci. This tragic event led to a vision of her own plane crash, re-trapping her in the wreckage. Interestingly, it appears that Lewis’ character’s fate was determined from the start, possibly explaining the frequent hints about her demise as far back as Season 1.

Although viewers perceived the character’s departure as an unfortunate catastrophe, Lewis had been aware for quite some time, perhaps even from the beginning, that her character was to be written out of the series. In an interview with Variety following the airing of her character’s demise, Lewis expressed, “I had a feeling [my character, Natalie, would be killed off]. I believe I could last for two seasons in the series.” The choice was a long-planned one and undeniably driven by the narrative, yet it seems that Lewis’ inclination towards film work might have contributed as well.

The writers of the show subtly foreshadowed that a significant character, Misty, would be leaving the series, according to director and executive producer Karyn Kusama who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter. This was something that had been contemplated by the showrunners and co-creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson from the very beginning of the show. One such instance was when Natalie hallucinated Misty at a party in the woods, which hinted at Misty’s eventual fate to take out Natalie. However, Lewis’ character also met her end for another reason.

Natalie’s death proves the Yellowjackets’ actions have consequences

The reason ‘Yellowjackets’ killed off Natalie was to emphasize the gravity and impact of the series, where even its main characters may face dire consequences. Co-showrunner Jonathan Lisco explained to GamesRadar that if the girls’ actions don’t have an emotional or psychological effect on viewers, then the show would lose its purpose. Essentially, they wanted the audience to understand that the repercussions of their actions are unavoidable and significant.

Natalie’s character development involves a complex series of events related to death, such as her struggles with substance abuse, brushes with mortality while navigating the wilderness, and unsuccessful attempts at suicide. Considering these factors, it could be said that her demise seems like a form of longed-for resolution or fulfillment.

The series consistently demonstrates that the girls’ actions have significant repercussions, as seen in Natalie’s death, Lottie Matthews’ murder, and Van Palmer’s demise during Season 3. In essence, the wilderness is relentless and ruthless, willing to go to any length to fulfill its demands – often at the cost of those who serve it.

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2025-07-19 16:29