Yellowjackets recently returned with its third season. It resumes the adventures of the girl-soccer team who are all set for new twists and turns in their lives. While Season 3 keeps fans hooked, they are curious about the departure of a character in the previous season. It is none other than Natalie, played by Juliette Lewis. So, why did Lewis leave Yellowjackets and will she return in the future?
Here is everything you need to know about the exit of the popular character in the mystery drama series.
Did Juliette Lewis leave Yellowjackets permanently?
Yes, Juliette Lewis has left Yellowjackets permanently.
Season 2 witnessed the tragic end of Lewis’ Natalie during the Queen of Hearts sacrificial ceremony. Things ended up taking a terrifying turn when Natalie pulled out a knife following Lottie’s shocking revelation that the group was involved in brutal murders in the past. As a result, Lisa ended up pointing a gun at her. Misty tried to save her friend Natalie by injecting Lisa with phenobarbital, but Natalie ended up getting stabbed, resulting in her death.
While Natalie’s death was shocking for fans, the makers had pre-planned this arc. Executive producer Karyn Kusama shared with The Hollywood Reporter in 2023 that Natalie’s end was foreshadowed in the pilot episode. She explained how the character hallucinated Misty as the “angel of death” for her.
Showrunners Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson also mentioned earlier that Natalie’s demise proved that supernatural force doesn’t end when they get rescued. On the other hand, Lewis was aware of her character’s death beforehand, as she prepared to exit the show after two seasons. The actress added that one of the reasons behind her exit was related to the format of television. “I think I’m good for a series for two seasons. It’s a different kind of work,” she stated. Further, Lewis expressed that she prefers filmmaking over TV due to its procedure. (via Variety)
Could Juliette Lewis’ Natalie return in Yellowjackets Season 3?
There’s a possibility that Juliette Lewis’ Natalie might return in Yellowjackets Season 3, but not as a series regular.
As fans are aware, the show has brought many dead characters from the grave like Ella Purnell’s Jackie. Similarly, Natalie can perhaps make a comeback in the series, possibly in a hallucination or flashback scene, if the plot demands.
