‘Yellowjackets’ Star Samantha Hanratty on Her Pilot Callback and Filming Iconic Pit Girl Scenes

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[This story contains major spoilers from the season three finale of Yellowjackets, “Full Circle.”]

In the premiere of Yellowjackets, I couldn’t help but smirk, and it left everyone puzzled, even the actress behind my character, Samantha Hanratty.

In the premiere episode of the Showtime survival series, Hanratty was the sole cast member who filmed the initial “Pit Girl” scenes. Following the capture and consumption of an unidentified girl (later revealed to be Mari, portrayed by Alexa Barajas), Hanratty is depicted removing her mask and smiling. Initially, it was believed that she was grinning due to eating her friend. However, in the season three finale titled “Full Circle,” director and co-creator Bart Nickerson redefined our understanding of those events.

Initially, the pivotal scene was shot using stunt artists, yet Mari was always a key figure in the minds of Nickerson, co-creator Ashley Lyle, and co-showrunner Jonathan Lisco. Interestingly, the cast didn’t discover this until closer to filming time. As Hanratty explained to The Hollywood Reporter, there were rumors that it would be Alexa instead. “It’s a challenge with such intense death scenes,” Hanratty added, “when one person learns, the information spreads quickly!” However, when they received the script, everyone gained new insights into their characters, and Hanratty found out that he had misunderstood Misty’s character all along.

In truth, Misty was aiding Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) in secret as they concocted a daring mountain-climbing rescue plan. They had managed to repair the SAT phone from the scientists for this purpose. Van (Liv Hewson) and Hanna (Ashley Sutton) joined them, much to the displeasure of Antler Queen Shauna (Sophie Nélisse), whose anger will likely surface when the show resumes (if it is renewed). [The series Yellowjackets has not yet been confirmed for another season.]

In an interview with THR, Hanratty delves into the behind-the-scenes creation of the Pit Girl scenes, having filmed them while pregnant (she gave birth two months after wrapping up). She discusses how the pilot was a recollection, while the finale represented actuality. She explains that many of the teenage cast members were apprehensive and not fully on board with the project. Looking to the future, Hanratty contemplates the rescue mission for Misty, considering her tragic destiny (portrayed by Christina Ricci), and offers a few insights into what we might expect in the upcoming season four.

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During our conversation at the start of the series, you and Sophie Thatcher mentioned that Misty and Nat would be inseparable after this season. I had assumed you were referring to Coach’s demise, but in the final episode, your unmasking and joyful grin brought back memories of the premiere. Can you share what thoughts went through your mind while filming that significant moment?

This is incredibly nostalgic, as it feels like a replay of the initial episode. Ever since the first day, everyone has been curious about that mysterious smirk. I’ve always imagined it as me conveying, “I have a secret you don’t know… and when you discover it, it will be astonishing.” However, I never knew what that secret was! Now we finally understand. I can’t help but think, “I told you so… I told you it would be wild!” It was an honor to be part of this revelation. Misty isn’t sure if their plan has succeeded yet, but she trusts that Natalie will handle everything as needed.

In the pilot, we thought you were smiling about eating Pit Girl.

Absolutely! Although you might not notice it much in the pilot, I’m actually an ardent Yellowjackets fan. The unique thing is that I was the only one who filmed the pilot out at Mammoth Mountain when we did the initial Pit Girl scenes. You’ll catch glimpses of me throughout the episode, but the significant moment comes when I remove the mask, and you discover it’s Misty beneath it.

In the fresh video clips, it wasn’t until your smile that we spotted you, quite a clever trick! It appears this unexpected reveal was part of the master plan devised by the show creators right from the series premiere.

Yes.

They had it on their board that Mari (Alexa Barajas) was always Pit Girl. When did they tell you?

During the filming of the pilot, they never shared any information with me. I recall capturing the Antler Queen scene and messaging Courtney [Eaton], “Check out how fantastic you look!” It turned out that we used stunt doubles for all scenes during the pilot shoot, and I genuinely believed that the Antler Queen was going to be played by Courtney as Lottie when I filmed it.

In season two, it seems that’s when we began developing concepts such as, “Perhaps Liv [Hewson] playing Van, standing at the pit with her pink sneakers on.” We gradually assembled some parts of the puzzle, but we didn’t have absolute confirmation until we were on set, receiving the finale script.

In our production, you’ll notice a blend of the initial pilot episodes and freshly shot scenes that were overseen by our co-creator, Bart Nickerson. Can you tell me approximately how much of the content was reshot for these new scenes?

There were parts that were reshot, while others remained unchanged. It seems the “Pilot Pit Girl” scenes are based on the survivors’ recollections, whereas these scenes depict the actual events that transpired.

That’s really interesting. [Read the showrunners talking about this.]

(Grinning) Man, this series is a blast! I can’t help but feel like I’m solving mysteries all on my own. Yet, the pilot was so professionally done that it makes the subsequent episodes even more chilling. It’s chilling because it shows that these aren’t just actors playing roles; they’re teenagers, some of them terrified and reluctant, thrust into this situation.

In the opening episode, I wasn’t entirely clear about what information Misty possessed or her level of involvement in the pursuit. When I learned that Mari would take over, I thought, “Misty must be excited about this,” given their history of conflict. However, during filming, I didn’t feel the same way. It seemed to me that Misty enjoys playing multiple roles because she craves power and relishes in it. But as the story progressed, she became aware that Shauna was clearly losing her sanity, and she preferred to align herself with Natalie, trying to rectify the situation.

You re-filmed the smile.

Absolutely! In the pilot episode, our conversation took place immediately following our meal with Pit Girl, or Mari, as you mentioned. Now, we’re moved on to a different stage, which is when we’re at the huts. The feast has concluded, and the focus has shifted to Misty’s strategy involving Natalie.

In the narrative, as listeners, we encounter a voiceover from an older Shauna, portrayed by Melanie Lynskey, who says, “I can’t recall what happened out there, but now I’m recollecting how much we enjoyed it.” In this adult storyline, it’s clear that Tai (Tawny Cypress) has trouble remembering events due to another entity taking control. However, when it comes to Misty (Christina Ricci), just how much she remembers remains a question.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that Misty seems to have an impressive memory bank. However, her perspective is tinted with the haze of Misty’s lens, which occasionally leads her to overlook less-than-ideal actions. She appears to be quite forgiving towards others unless their actions directly impact her. In such cases, she tends to store the grievance away, vowing secretly that she’ll exact her revenge when the time is right.

How heavy is the burden of guilt on Misty for damaging the airplane’s transponder, and is this a chance for her to make amends for her actions?

One intriguing trait about Misty that sets her apart from me is her minimal sense of guilt. Unlike myself, she tends to act spontaneously rather than dwelling on past actions. I don’t believe she harbors the strong conviction that her present circumstances stem from her past choices, such as destroying the transponder after the crash. Instead, she focuses on what will benefit her in the immediate future. When she recognizes a need and sees herself as capable of helping, she steps up without seeming to seek redemption for past mistakes. I suspect that if Misty truly felt the burden of guilt, she might not have been able to endure as long as she has. Conversely, I would struggle to continue living if I carried such guilt and its weight with me.

After witnessing Shauna’s (Sophie Nélisse) ordeal in the wilderness and noticing how Natalie and Misty seem to be at odds with her, I’m wondering if they could possibly live together peacefully in the present. It appears that in the finale, they cannot. But might their dynamics change after they are rescued? I speculate that they might, but only time will tell.

It seems to me that a strong connection will develop among them, despite their past actions which include some truly heinous deeds such as cannibalism. They all consumed their peers, including Javi, and while they did whatever was necessary to survive, they also engaged in acts that were unjustified. I believe there’s a lot more to explore about these teenagers, particularly the dynamics of their relationships and how they’ve changed over time, as well as when they reunite as adults after many years. There are numerous stories waiting to be told, and it appears that some significant bonds already exist between characters like Taissa, Shauna, Misty, and Juliette Lewis’s character [Natalie]. However, I anticipate the emergence of additional ties that will bind them even closer together.

How excited do you think Misty will be once help arrives, and have you thought about her behavior upon returning to society?

After giving it considerable thought, I must admit it saddens me deeply for her. I fear things won’t unfold as she expects them to. She seems to believe they’ll all become close friends. This hit home when Adult Misty mentioned she’d never been to a sleepover. It made me realize that such gatherings might not be part of their future, especially not for Misty. While I’m certain some of them do have sleepovers, it seems unlikely with Misty. This realization struck me as they’ll likely move on with their lives without her, and I believe she finds it hard to let go of the relationships she’s built.

It seems to me they might be up to some mischief upon their return. I sense that Misty will find herself dealing with messes more frequently, and I must admit, I’m rather excited about it!

There are still a handful of people in the past who we don’t see in the future…

Yep!

Before discovering the truth, you, as part of the cast, had your own theories about Pit Girl. Some fans speculated Mari, but when frog scientist Hanna (Ashley Sutton) entered the scene, it threw many off their assumptions. You mentioned to me that you had a few predictions and one turned out to be correct.

Throughout this year, my suspicions about the various deaths had been simmering, and I must admit, I was taken aback by just how many deaths occurred. However, I’ve always had a feeling that Mari would be the one to depart. Upon meeting Ashley [Sutton] and observing her getting hair extensions, I couldn’t help but think, “This is undoubtedly our Pit Girl.” I then delved deeper on my own. I inquired about the possibility of another season and whether she would return. She was rather evasive in her responses. Yet, there were whispers among the crew, and it was rumored that Alexa might be the one to leave.

As a gamer, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and sorrow when I discovered a secret before Alexa and even before Alexa’s digital counterpart could reveal it. In intense gaming scenarios like these, information spreads fast once someone cracks the code. It was a bittersweet moment, as uncovering such a significant plot twist was both thrilling and heartbreaking.

However, I must confess that I was left feeling quite devastated. Alexa has always been an amazing character in my gaming world, and her fate hit me hard. The revelation of the pit where she met her demise and then being resurrected at the end of the season has left a lasting impact on me. I’m still trying to come to terms with it, as this development has shaken up the game in ways I didn’t expect.

Everyone who escapes something tends to get it in the end, that seems to be a theme.

Uh-huh.

We’d anticipated this moment, yet witnessing it was harsh. During the filming process, what left you stunned, leading the characters to a point of no return?

Watching everyone in their costumes turned the scene into something truly surreal for me, a devoted fan of the show. Recognizing familiar faces behind the characters they portray was an electrifying experience. I found myself buzzing with excitement as I tried to figure out who was who. I had always imagined Shauna would be the bunny, and then there she was – none other than Melissa [Jenna Burgess]! The thrill of it all still sends shivers down my spine!

As a gamer, let me share my experience during the filming: I was in my third trimester, making every scene feel like a marathon. Pregnancy had turned me into a spectator more often than not, especially for action sequences. My stunt double was my lifeline, allowing me to continue playing my role while navigating the giant mask and the delicate balance of a pregnant woman. The scenes that gave me the most intense chills were undoubtedly the dragging of Mari and seeing her raw emotions. I had watched these moments countless times during the pilot, but experiencing them live sent shivers down my spine. It was surreal, watching my on-screen daughter go through this harrowing ordeal, feeling like a proud mom behind the monitors, snapping pictures and videos, whispering to myself, “I can’t believe this is happening to my girl!

As a gamer, I must admit, the pilot gave off a cheerful vibe about these girls, but now, peeling back layers in this game, I see many of them seem to be battling sadness beneath their masks. Amidst the feast, I can’t help but wonder what Misty is feeling. Is she submerging her feelings and pushing forward, or is she truly grappling with depression? It’s a puzzle I’m trying to solve in this virtual world we all inhabit.

I believe that description of Misty perfectly encapsulates her: absorbing the situation and pressing on. To keep my thoughts occupied, I found myself almost detaching and concentrating on Natalie’s whereabouts and progress. It was like we were secretly engaged in a mission, one that they remained unaware of, and I had to maintain an expressionless demeanor to avoid giving anything away. I don’t think Misty would dwell on the thought, “Oh my goodness, this is Mari I’m consuming right now.” She has other responsibilities. The moment for sorrow will come later.

There were so many deaths this season. Which one surprised you most?

I had a feeling something like that would occur with Steven [Krueger] and Coach Ben this season, but I wasn’t certain about the details. Filming it, though, was particularly emotional for me because not only was Misty losing her romantic partner, but Samantha was also bidding farewell to one of my most frequent co-stars on the show. It was heartbreaking indeed. The most emotional part, however, was watching the series and witnessing how everything unfolded regarding Van’s [Lauren Ambrose] character’s death. I adore Lauren, so it was tough to watch. And Joel [McHale]! He should be mentioned too, as his demise was swift, and what we did to his character with all those arrows was quite gruesome! (Chuckles)

I’m glad you called that out because it was such a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment.

I think that shows where these girls are at. They’re just ruthless.

Lottie’s passing resurrected memories of the first season and her prophecy about her own demise. Initially, I assumed that Shauna became alarmed when Lottie gifted the necklace to Callie, believing it signaled the impending doom of her daughter. However, in their last conversation, it appeared as though the necklace held a different significance between Lottie and Callie.

I know nothing about the necklace. I’m just happy that Misty hasn’t had to wear it yet!

It appears that the enchanting wilderness holds little sway over Misty, a trend that persists even into her adult years.

It seems Misty hasn’t fully embraced that idea. She’s quite practical and logical by nature. If something unusual occurs, she might respond with a shrug, saying, “Indeed, extraordinary events do happen.

Was there anything in the wilderness storyline that shocked you most this season?

Episode six is my absolute favorite due to its captivating ending that left me spellbound. The moment frog researchers appeared on screen took me by surprise, adding an unexpected twist to the plot. I appreciated every character involved – Nelson [Franklin], Ashley, and Joel – as their presence made the episode even more enjoyable. However, what truly caught me off guard was the revelation of our characters harmonizing with nature while seemingly insane in reality. This duality perfectly encapsulates the madness within us all.

As a spectator, it’s been thrilling to experience the dream and cave sequences in the show, given I wasn’t present during filming. Watching these scenes unfold feels like a constant surprise – “What on earth is happening?!” Each episode, I find myself on the edge of my seat while reading the scripts, eagerly anticipating Misty’s next move. This season, in particular, I found myself deeply invested in everyone else’s stories as well. Shauna shooting Melissa was one of those moments that left me wondering, “Just how far will she go?” This season has undoubtedly been a nail-biting experience for me as a Shauna fan!

Each of us can examine our personalities and comprehend them in a specific manner, yet justifying some of Shauna’s recent actions has proven quite challenging for most.

In conversations with some of the other actors, they’ve expressed that the series requires at least two more seasons to wrap things up satisfactorily. Do you think there’s a lot more narrative left unexplored, and if so, what aspects are you most excited about exploring further?

It’d be fantastic if we could have five complete seasons, wrapping up the story and fully developing the characters. It seems like everyone is falling, one by one, so who will make it to the end? However, I’m excited to see how they manage to save each other and keep their secret plan hidden.

It’s clear that Misty seems eager to appear on Oprah, shouting her survival story and craving the attention, yet she understands that being part of this particular group requires silence. I’m equally excited about meeting these families! I wonder what kind of people Misty’s parents are. I’ve always imagined her as an only child, but now I’m intrigued to see what her life is really like. I hope they find a cool mentor for my parents! Who among them is about to graduate? What will graduation look like? I can’t help but be curious about all these aspects.

I’m equally excited to find out what transpires next, particularly the moment following our previous point. I’m curious about Shauna’s actions upon Natalie’s return and where their power relationships will head.

Have you imagined what they do to Hanna?

Absolutely, things haven’t been great! (Chuckles) Honestly, I have my doubts about her recovery. If she manages to pull through, it might be temporary, but it seems unlikely in her current state.

The biggest burning question left is… where is Crystal’s body?

It’s the one that keeps nagging me! You see, my cherished character Nuha, portrayed by Jes Izman as Crystal, holds a special place in my heart. I yearn to find Crystal – even if it’s just her costume or what she was wearing. It seems like Shauna gets to don Jackie’s [Ella Purnell] outfits. Why can’t Misty get to wear Crystal’s? (Chuckles)

Here, the sentence structure has been changed for a more natural and easier-to-read flow. The meaning remains the same: the speaker is expressing their fondness for the character Nuha/Crystal and wishing they could have her costume from the series.

In this game I’m playing, as the number of characters left in the story decreases, my odds of being the last one standing increase significantly. It’d be an epic twist if Misty ended up as the sole survivor, almost like a Yellowjackets surprise finale. Have you ever pondered that possibility?

Over the past period, I’ve been delving into various theories. I must admit, I’m quite excited about it. I genuinely believe she’s earned it. Initially, many saw her as the antagonist, but now that Van is absent, she appears to be one of the rare characters who can potentially be redeemed. This year, her character development has been exceptional in both storylines, making her the most intriguing figure this season.

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Currently streaming on Paramount+ With Showtime, you can now watch the third season of Yellowjackets. Head over to THR for exclusive interviews from the finale, featuring key personalities such as Alexa Barajas, Sarah Desjardins (the showrunners), Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Christina Ricci, Courtney Eaton, and Sophie Thatcher.

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2025-04-17 17:56