From the pilot’s initial moments, Yellowjackets has captivated audiences with its alluring hints at a sinister past among a group of women who survived a terrifying ordeal as teenage girls.
The thrilling drama series alternates between the past and present, showcasing the women’s struggle to come to terms with the traumatic events that altered the course of their lives forever.
But did you know that the show’s creators, Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, were inspired by real-life accounts of survival in extreme conditions? Specifically, they drew inspiration from the historic Donner Party of the 1800s and the 1972 Andes Flight Disaster.
(L-R) Lauren Ambrose stuns in a bold floral-print dress, Melanie Lynskey opts for a chic pastel pink suit with a sparkling belt, and Simone Kessell dazzles in a black velvet blazer over a shimmering silver-accented dress at PaleyFest LA 2023 – ‘Yellowjackets’ at Dolby Theatre on April 3, 2023, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Yellowjackets tells the harrowing tale of a predominantly female group of survivors stranded in the unforgiving Canadian wilderness, forced to confront unthinkable choices—including resorting to cannibalism—in their desperate fight for survival.
The show’s title highlights the girls’ actions before, during, and following the plane disaster as a “hive-mentality,” focusing on who the “queen bee” is.
Showtime’s hit series Yellowjackets will return for its highly anticipated third season on February 14, 2025. A chilling teaser has been released, featuring the tagline “Eat their heart out” and glimpses of new footage.
The season will see the return of cast favorites, including Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis, and Sophie Nélisse, alongside newcomers Hilary Swank in a guest role and Joel McHale. Fans can expect more thrilling twists and eerie surprises in this upcoming installment.
The barbarism displayed by the girls during their time in the forest, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies and Mean Girls, serves as a sobering reminder of the lengths people will go to survive.
So whether you’re tuning in for the gripping storyline or the talented cast, Yellowjackets keeps you on the edge of your seat. Here’s a rundown of the actresses that brought the characters into our screen and ranked them from tallest to shortest.
1. Courtney Eaton: Standing Tall as Teen Lottie (5’10” / 177.8 cm)
Courtney Eaton, who is 5ft 10 inches (177.8 cm) tall, plays the role of Lottie, the team’s resident affluent member. However, her character is far from that of a typical spoiled rich kid.
After the plane crash, Lottie runs out of her schizophrenia medicine, which leads to hallucinations and visions that start to impact the other team members.
Simone Kessell (L) dazzles in a sleek black mini dress with silver accents, paired with pink velvet heels, while Courtney Eaton stuns in a retro-inspired red polka-dot dress and chic black velvet boots at PaleyFest LA 2023 – ‘Yellowjackets’ at Dolby Theatre on April 3, 2023, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
The American actress and model originally auditioned for the role of Shauna in Yellowjackets.
Eaton is no stranger to doomsday scenarios, as Yellowjackets is not her first encounter with such a plot. She was formerly known for playing Cheedo the Fragile in Mad Max: Fury Road, where she starred as the youngest of cult leader Immortan Joe’s brides.
Portrayed by Courtney Eaton as a teen and Simone Kessell as an adult in the program’s second season, Charlotte “Lottie” Matthews is a character on the Showtime original series Yellowjackets (Credit: Showtime)
Additionally, Eaton starred in the 2019 thriller Line of Duty and the 2016 fantasy action movie Gods of Egypt. Interestingly, she also appeared in the direct-to-video film Status Update with Ross Lynch, a former Disney Channel star whom she dated from 2015 to 2017.
2. Simone Kessell: The Enigmatic Adult Lottie (5’7.5″ / 171.5 cm)
The adult Lottie, who has been involved in some shady activities over the years, is portrayed by the talented actress Simone Kessell, who towers at 5ft 7 ½ inches (171.5 cm).
Simone Kessell (R) is the tallest among Lauren Ambrose (L), Melanie Lynskey (C), and herself, with a height of 5ft 7 ½ (171.5 cm), while Melanie is the second tallest at 5ft 6 ¼ (168.3 cm), and Lauren is the shortest with 5ft 5 (165.1 cm) (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
In the second season, viewers discovered what happened to Lottie after the cliffhanger ending of season one revealed that she was still alive.
Kessell, originally from New Zealand, has a range of impressive performances on her resume. One of Kessell’s most notable roles is in the HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death.
For the second season of Showtime’s Yellowjackets, Simone Kessell (known for her role in Obi-Wan Kenobi) joined the cast as the adult Lottie Matthews (Credit: Showtime)
She starred in the short-lived Fox science fiction series Terra Nova as Lt. Alicia Washington, and in 2016, she acted alongside Ray Winstone in the ABC prime-time fantasy soap opera Of Kings and Prophets.
In 2022, the actress appeared in the highly anticipated Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+, acting alongside Ewan McGregor.
3. Jasmin Savoy Brown: A Competitive Teen Taissa (5’7″ / 170.2 cm)
Jasmin Savoy Brown plays the competitive Taissa, whose doubts about Lottie’s purported talents are put to rest when she begins experiencing unsettling supernatural events.
The American actress is known for her roles in the legal drama For the People on ABC and the mystery drama The Leftovers on HBO. She has also appeared in the slasher films Sound of Violence in 2021, Scream in 2022, and Scream VI in 2023.
Jasmin Savoy Brown exudes elegance in a stunning black two-piece ensemble featuring a bold, cropped top with intricate detailing and a dramatic floor-length skirt at the ‘Yellowjackets’ premiere event (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
In the 2020 video game Spider-Man: Miles Morales, she provided the voice and motion capture for the character Phin Mason/Tinkerer.
Alongside Liv Hewson, who plays one of her on-screen love interests in Yellowjackets, Brown co-created, produced, and hosted the podcast The Homo Schedule, later acquired by Netflix.
On the Showtime original series Yellowjackets, the character Taissa Turner is portrayed by Jasmin Savoy Brown during her teenage years, and Tawny Cypress as an adult (Credit: Showtime)
Additionally, she is a singer and has released two songs on YouTube, “Orange Wine” and “goddamnit,” with Hewson appearing in the latter’s music video.
4. Tawny Cypress: The Ambitious Adult Taissa (5’6.25″ / 168.3 cm)
Tawny Cypress is 5ft 6 ¼ inches (168.3 cm) tall and portrays Taissa Turner, a former top player for the Yellowjackets who is now a candidate for state senate. Her past with the team and her ‘other half’ jeopardize her political career—a risk she cannot afford.
Tawny Cypress brings vintage charm to PaleyFest LA 2023 in a rich brown velvet suit paired with a bold patterned blouse and matching bow, exuding playful sophistication (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
The American actress gained recognition for portraying art dealer Simone Deveaux in the popular television series Heroes. In the critically acclaimed 2019 movie Inez & Doug & Kira, Cypress played the lead role of Inez.
She has also appeared in various TV shows, including Carly Heath on House of Cards, Ginger “Love Tap” LeBeau on Fox’s drama K-Ville, and Cherie Rollins-Murray on the second and third seasons of CBS’s Unforgettable.
Tawny Cypress, an American actress, plays the character of Adult Taissa Turner on Showtime’s Yellowjackets (Credit: Showtime)
In the 2022 docuseries Queer for Fear, Cypress acknowledged her attraction to women and even cited her Yellowjackets co-star Lynskey’s 1994 film Heavenly Creatures as an influence on her coming-out narrative.
5. Melanie Lynskey: A Complex Adult Shauna (5’6.25″ / 168.3 cm)
Melanie Lynskey takes on the role of Shauna, a complex housewife who is trying to regain her autonomy while keeping the team’s dark secrets safe and also dealing with her marriage to the prom king, who happens to be Jackie’s ex-boyfriend.
Melanie Lynskey (R) commands attention in a vibrant turquoise blazer dress paired with gold accessories, standing taller than Sarah Desjardins (L), who stuns in a sleek black cutout gown at the ‘Yellowjackets’ premiere (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
The actress began acting at 16, debuting in the critically acclaimed movie Heavenly Creatures, where she portrayed New Zealand murderess Pauline Parker opposite Kate Winslet.
After receiving widespread critical acclaim for her role in the film, Lynskey later appeared in minor roles in various films such as Sweet Home Alabama, Coyote Ugly, and Ever After. Lynskey continued establishing herself as a character actress in movies like Shattered Glass, Flags of Our Fathers, Win Win, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
In the Hulu miniseries Candy (2022), Melanie Lynskey portrays Betty Gore, a housewife brutally murdered by her friend in Texas in 1980.
On the Showtime original series Yellowjackets, Shauna Sadecki (née Shipman) is played by Sophie Nélisse as a teenager and Melanie Lynskey as an adult (Credit: Showtime)
She gained recognition as a prominent figure in the American independent film community with lead roles in Happy Christmas, The Intervention, and I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, which led her to larger projects like Don’t Look Up.
Lynskey’s career took a turning point after her starring role in Hello I Must Be Going, where she played a depressed divorcee. On television, Lynskey played Rose in Two and a Half Men from 2003 to 2015 and appeared as a furious revolutionary leader in The Last of Us in 2023.
6. Juliette Lewis: Grit and Heart as Adult Natalie (5’6″ / 167.6 cm)
Juliette Lewis portrays Natalie Scatorccio, a punk rocker still dealing with the aftermath of the plane crash and struggling with addiction.
Natalie may appear tough on the outside, but she opens up about her struggles with Shauna, Taissa, and Misty.
Juliette Lewis looked stunning in an Olivier Theyskens dress, styled by Dani + Emma, at the season 2 world premiere of Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” held at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on March 22, 2023 (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
The actress gained fame as a teen in the 1990s with roles in movies such as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Natural Born Killers, and Cape Fear, for which she received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
After starring in movies like August: Osage County and Ma, Lewis shifted her focus to television, appearing in shows such as The Act, Queer as Folk, and Welcome to Chippendales.
The Showtime original series Yellowjackets features a character named Natalie Scatorccio, also known as “Nat,” who is played by Sophie Thatcher during her teenage years and by Juliette Lewis in her adulthood (Credit: Showtime)
In her personal life, she has had high-profile relationships with actors Brad Pitt after meeting on the set of Too Young to Die? and Leonardo DiCaprio, whom she met in the production of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.
For readers eager to delve deeper into Juliette Lewis’s dynamic career and fashion choices, our article on her net worth and relationships offers a comprehensive look at her personal and professional journey. Additionally, her captivating role in the film ‘Whip It’ showcases her versatility as an actress.
7. Sophie Thatcher: A Rebel as Teen Natalie (5’5″ / 165.1 cm)
Sophie Thatcher is a 5ft. 5 inches (165.1 cm) tall American actress who plays teenage Natalie, a talented soccer player with a penchant for troublemaking and a loud personality that sets her apart from the rest of the team.
Thatcher’s portrayal of teenage Natalie is intentionally distinct from Juliette Lewis’ performance of the character as an adult.
Sophie Bathsheba Thatcher stuns in a sultry, strapless red gown featuring elegant draping and a floor-length train, exuding timeless Hollywood glamour at the ‘Yellowjackets’ premiere (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Born and raised in Chicago, the actress started in theater and has appeared in productions of famous plays like The Secret Garden, Oliver!, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, and The Diary of Anne Frank.
Her breakout role was in the 2018 indie sci-fi film Prospect, which earned her critical acclaim for her performance as a young girl accompanying her father, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, on a mission to mine for precious gems on a remote alien moon.
The character Nat, also known as Natalie Scatorccio, appears in the Showtime series Yellowjackets, played by Sophie Thatcher in her teenage years and by Juliette Lewis in her adult years (Credit: Showtime)
Thatcher’s performance as a cyborg leader in Disney+’s The Book of Boba Fett has gained widespread recognition, and she is set to showcase her acting chops again in the upcoming horror film, The Boogeyman.
8. Lauren Ambrose: Adult Vanessa Palmer’s Poised Survivor (5’5″ / 165.1 cm)
Lauren Ambrose takes on the role of Vanessa “Van” Palmer, an adult survivor of the wilderness ordeal. In the show’s first season, Van starts dating Taissa, one of her former teammates from the Yellowjackets soccer team.
Liv Hewson plays Van during her teenage years, and in the show’s second season, she is portrayed by Lauren Ambrose as an adult.
Lauren Ambrose lights up PaleyFest LA 2023 in a vibrant floral-print gown featuring puffed sleeves and bold red and purple hues, perfectly complemented by gold jewelry (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
In 2023, the actress finished her role on the suspenseful Apple TV+ series Servant, directed by M. Night Shyamalan. She previously gained widespread recognition for her performance as Claire Fisher on HBO’s Six Feet Under, which earned her two Emmy nominations.
Ambrose’s portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in the Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of My Fair Lady earned her a Tony nomination in 2018.
9. Liv Hewson: Teen Vanessa, the Team’s Optimist (5’5″ / 165.1 cm)
Liv Hewson portrays the teenage Vanessa “Van” Palmer in Showtime’s Yellowjackets. Despite experiencing a gruesome accident following the plane crash, Van is known as the team’s “unofficial mascot” due to her optimistic outlook.
Liv Hewson keeps it edgy at PaleyFest LA 2023 with a minimalist black ensemble, featuring a structured crop top, wide-leg trousers, and sleek platform shoes (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Before Yellowjackets, the actress played Abby Hammond in the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet and Claire Duncan in the fantasy web series Dramaworld in 2016.
The Australian also had recurring roles in the second season of Top of the Lake, the miniseries Marvel’s Inhumans, and the movie Before I Fall in 2017.
In the Showtime original series Yellowjackets, the character Vanessa Palmer, also known as “Van,” is played by Liv Hewson during her teenage years, and it has been announced that in the second season of the show, she will be portrayed by Lauren Ambrose as an adult (Credit: Showtime)
In 2020, the starlet was recognized with the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award for Hewson’s efforts to elevate LGBTQ voices in television, film, and theater.
10. Sophie Nélisse: Resilient Teen Shauna (5’3″ / 160 cm)
Sophie Nélisse plays the teenage Shauna, one of the “lucky” survivors of the plane crash, and despite being previously unnoticed, she quickly adapts to life in the wilderness and forms a bond with Taissa.
To match the appearance of co-star Melanie Lynskey, Nélisse colored her hair brown and wore brown contact lenses.
Sophie Nélisse captivates at PaleyFest LA 2023 in a chic black-and-white ensemble featuring a structured puff-sleeve blouse, embellished mini skirt, and classic pointed-toe heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Interestingly, the Canadian actress used to practice as a gymnast to compete in the 2016 Olympics, but she gave up the sport after landing the lead role in The Book Thief in 2013.
On the Showtime original series Yellowjackets, the character Shauna Sadecki (formerly known as Shipman) is played by Sophie Nélisse during her teenage years and by Melanie Lynskey in her adulthood (Credit: Showtime)
Nélisse has received recognition for her acting skills, including a Genie Award in 2012 for her performance as Alice in Monsieur Lazhar and is known as Caroline in The Kid Detective.
11. Samantha Hanratty: The Dual Nature of Teen Misty (5’1″ / 154.9 cm)
Samantha Hanratty portrays the role of Misty, the teen equipment manager of the Yellowjackets. Despite her cheerful demeanor and eagerness to please, Misty has a darker side that would stop at nothing to get what she wants.
For the 5ft 1 inches (154.9 cm) tall actress, playing Misty required her to access a different side of herself. She initially went through the audition process for Natalie’s part before landing the role of Misty.
Sammi Hanratty turns heads at PaleyFest LA 2023 in a bold purple floral gown with a daring thigh-high lace slit, paired with glossy brown platform heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Hanratty is no stranger to television and movies, having acted alongside Lacey Chabert in various films and shows, including the 2006 ABC Family original Hello Sister, Goodbye Life.
Her breakthrough role was Chrissa in the 2009 movie An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong. She also played Holly, a regular character on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody in 2006, and appeared in the Stephen King film Desperation on ABC that same year.
The Showtime series Yellowjackets features the character Misty Quigley, played by Sammi Hanratty during her teenage years and by Christina Ricci in her adulthood (Credit: Showtime)
In addition to her other roles, Hanratty appeared in episodes of popular television shows such as Pushing Daisies. Before her role in Yellowjackets, Hanratty appeared in the Showtime television series Shameless as Carl’s wife, Kassidi.
12. Christina Ricci: Adult Misty’s Ingenious Manipulator (5’0.5″ / 153.7 cm)
Christina Ricci is a 5ft ½ inches (153.7 cm) tall American actress who takes on the role of Misty Quigley, an unscrewed nurse. She is known for her love of sleuthing both online and in person, and she is not above manipulating others for her benefit.
Misty has a pet parrot, which Ricci suggested, as she believed that “weird people have birds.” During the first season’s filming, Ricci was pregnant, which added an extra layer of complexity to her portrayal of Misty.
Samantha Hanratty and her shorter co-star Christina Ricci attend the World Premiere of Season Two of Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 22, 2023, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
The actress first gained recognition for her performance as Wednesday Addams in the 1991 film The Addams Family. She reprised the role in the film’s sequel, Addams Family Values.
Ricci also starred in other successful movies of the 90s, including Casper and Now and Then. Throughout her career, Ricci has appeared in over a dozen films, including The Opposite of Sex, Sleepy Hollow, and Monster.
Christina Ricci, who stands at the height of 5ft ½ in (153.7 cm), started playing the role of Misty Quigley on the highly praised Showtime series Yellowjackets in 2021 (Credit: Showtime)
The short actress also had a pivotal role in the short-lived ABC series Pan Am and the critically acclaimed Grey’s Anatomy and produced and starred in The Lizzie Borden Chronicles for Lifetime. She also had a small role in The Matrix Resurrections as advertising executive Gwen De Vere.
Most recently, she returned to the Addams Family universe in the Netflix series Wednesday, where she played the house mother, Marilyn Thornhill.