Who's Who? Yellowjackets Cast & Character Guide You Need!

Dr. Sabrina Borer 10 May 2025

Ever wondered who embodies the complex characters of Showtime's hit series "Yellowjackets"? The brilliance of "Yellowjackets" lies not only in its gripping narrative but also in its impeccable casting, bringing to life the dual timelines with actors who perfectly capture the essence of their characters, both young and old. This exploration delves into the talented individuals who make the show a captivating experience.

Yellowjackets, the American thriller drama television series masterminded by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, weaves a chilling tale across two distinct timelines. The first plunges viewers into the harrowing aftermath of a 1996 plane crash, where a team of teenage soccer players must confront unimaginable horrors to survive in the desolate wilderness of Canada. The second storyline leaps forward 25 years, chronicling the survivors' fractured lives as they grapple with the long shadows of their past and the dark secrets that bind them. The series premiered on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime, with new episodes initially debuting weekly at the same time. For those who prefer to watch at their own pace, episodes were also released at midnight on the Showtime streaming platform.

Category	Information
Series Title	Yellowjackets
Genre	Thriller, Drama
Creators	Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson
Premiere Date	November 14, 2021
Network	Showtime
Plot Summary	A high school soccer team's plane crashes in the wilderness in 1996, and the series follows their struggle to survive and the aftermath 25 years later.
Official Website	Showtime - Yellowjackets

The ensemble cast of "Yellowjackets" is a masterclass in dual casting, featuring a carefully selected group of actors who embody both the teenage and adult versions of the core characters. This allows for a seamless transition between the two timelines, enhancing the show's exploration of trauma, memory, and the enduring impact of the past. As season three looms on the horizon, the actors have shared their profound appreciation for the intricate character development and compelling narrative that continues to draw them into the Yellowjackets' world.

Let's delve into the actors who bring these complex characters to life, navigating the treacherous landscapes of both the Canadian wilderness and their own damaged psyches:

Melanie Lynskey as Adult Shauna Shipman: Lynskey portrays the adult Shauna with a simmering intensity, masking deep-seated trauma with a veneer of suburban normalcy. Her life is a carefully constructed facade, hiding the dark secrets of her past. Lynskey, known for her roles in "Heavenly Creatures" and "The Last of Us," brings a nuanced performance to Shauna, capturing her vulnerability and her capacity for ruthlessness.

Sophie Nlisse as Teenage Shauna Shipman: Nlisse embodies the teenage Shauna with a potent mix of naivet and simmering resentment. As Jackie's shadow, she grapples with feelings of inadequacy and a yearning for something more. Her journey in the wilderness forces her to confront her hidden desires and embrace her darker instincts.

Christina Ricci as Adult Misty Quigley: Ricci delivers a chillingly captivating performance as the adult Misty, a character both pathetic and terrifying. Her desperate need for connection and validation leads her down a path of manipulation and control. Ricci, famed for her iconic roles in "The Addams Family" and "Sleepy Hollow," imbues Misty with an unsettling mix of vulnerability and menace.

Sammi Hanratty as Teenage Misty Quigley: Hanratty captures the teenage Misty's awkwardness and desperation with heartbreaking accuracy. Her yearning for acceptance and her willingness to do anything to be included make her a compelling and unsettling character. Hanratty's portrayal highlights the fragility and the potential for darkness within the ostracized teenager.

Tawny Cypress as Adult Taissa Turner: Cypress portrays the adult Taissa with a steely resolve and a haunted gaze. Her ambition and drive mask a deep-seated trauma and a struggle with a terrifying duality. Cypress brings a commanding presence to Taissa, conveying her strength and her vulnerability with equal measure.

Jasmin Savoy Brown as Teenage Taissa Turner: Brown embodies the teenage Taissa's fierce determination and unwavering focus. As a natural leader, she strives to maintain order and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. Brown's portrayal captures Taissa's strength and her growing awareness of the darkness within herself.

Juliette Lewis as Adult Natalie Scatorccio: Lewis delivers a raw and heartbreaking performance as the adult Natalie, a character haunted by addiction and the ghosts of her past. Her struggles with substance abuse and her self-destructive tendencies mask a deep well of pain and a desperate search for redemption. Lewis brings her signature intensity and vulnerability to Natalie, creating a character that is both tragic and compelling.

Sophie Thatcher as Teenage Natalie Scatorccio: Thatcher embodies the teenage Natalie's rebellious spirit and her fierce loyalty. As an outsider, she brings a unique perspective to the group dynamics and a willingness to challenge authority. Thatcher's portrayal captures Natalie's vulnerability and her unwavering determination to survive.

Ella Purnell as Jackie Taylor: Purnell portrays Jackie, the charismatic and popular leader of the Yellowjackets, with a captivating blend of confidence and vulnerability. Her social prowess and seemingly perfect facade mask a deep insecurity and a growing unease as the group descends into chaos. Jackie's journey is marked by a shift in power dynamics, challenging her position and revealing the cracks beneath her polished surface.

Steven Krueger as Coach Ben Scott: Krueger plays Ben Scott, the assistant coach of the Yellowjackets, with a quiet strength and a hidden depth. His compassion and his commitment to the team make him a moral compass in the face of unimaginable horrors. Ben's own struggles and his evolving role in the group add another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.

Luciano Leroux as Javi Martinez: Leroux embodies Javi Martinez, the younger brother of a Yellowjackets player, with an innocent curiosity and a quiet resilience. As the youngest member of the group, he faces the unimaginable horrors of the wilderness with a childlike wonder that is both heartbreaking and endearing. Javi's presence serves as a reminder of the innocence lost and the enduring power of family.

Simone Kessell as Adult Lottie Matthews: Kessell brings a mysterious and enigmatic presence to the adult Lottie, whose experiences in the wilderness have led her down a path of spiritual awakening and possible madness. Her intentional community and her followers add a new layer of intrigue to the series, blurring the lines between faith and delusion.

Courtney Eaton as Teenage Lottie Matthews: Eaton portrays the teenage Lottie with a captivating blend of vulnerability and unsettling power. Her visions and her growing connection to the supernatural world make her a focal point of the group's descent into savagery. Eaton's performance captures Lottie's fragility and her growing belief in her own divine purpose.

Jane Widdop as Laura Lee: Widdop portrayed Laura Lee in the first season of Showtime's Yellowjackets. Widdop is known for 'jessica darling's it list (2016)', 'the kicks (2015)' and 'yellowjackets (2021)'.

Nicole Maines as Lisa: Maines plays Lisa. Lisa suffers from depression and has tried more than once to commit suicide. At some point, she joined the intentional community run by Lottie Matthews, both looking for help and to escape her.

Sammi Hanratty has been acting for more than half her life. She's had the pleasure of working with some of hollywood's biggest names including academy award winning director robert zemeckis, simon west, barry sonnenfeld, jim carrey, robin wright, gary oldman, cary elwes, ray liotta, cuba gooding jr, jon hamm, and tim allen.