Yellowjackets Cast’s Unique Tradition
When Characters Die, Parties Commence
Ashley Lyle, one of the writers for the Showtime series Yellowjackets, disclosed that the cast members have developed an interesting tradition. Whenever a character meets their demise on the show, the cast organizes what they’ve termed “funeral parties.”
Death on Screen: A Heartbreaking Yet Engaging Story Element
Appearing at Vulture Fest over the weekend, Lyle explained that while character deaths can be emotionally wrenching, it ultimately contributes to a compelling narrative. The Yellowjackets series, which debuted in 2021, is known for its emotional and sometimes gruesome character deaths.
Characters Who Made Their Final Exit
The show, which juxtaposes the lives of teenagers with their adult selves, has seen numerous characters exit the stage. From Travis (Andres Soto) to Natalie (Juliette Lewis), the show has had its fair share of emotional farewells over its two seasons.
The Cast’s Unique Way of Mourning
Lyle finds it endearing that the cast members have come up with the idea of throwing “funeral parties” for their departed characters. She has been a guest at several of these gatherings and notes how close-knit the cast, especially the younger members, have become.
Memorable Farewells
Parties thrown in honor of the characters portrayed by Leroux and Widdop were particularly memorable according to Lyle.
Yellowjackets’ Unforgettable Scene
The series, presently in its third season of production, created quite a stir with its hard-to-watch cannibalism scene following Jackie’s death in the previous season.
Courtney Eaton, the actress who plays young Lottie, admitted to almost losing her lunch during the filming of the unsettling scene. Despite her sturdy constitution and experience with the show’s oddities, the scene proved too much for her.
The Paradoxical Nature of “Funeral Parties”
In line with the dichotomy of a term like “funeral party,” Lyle and the showrunners wanted the cannibalism to have a strangely celebratory undertone. They noted how the young cast members, aware of the intensity of what they were about to enact, used humor as a coping mechanism.
Humor Amidst Gruesomeness
Jonathan Lisco, the episode’s writer, recounted how the cast joked around, even dubbing the scene “Jackie-fruit.” This humor served as a balance to the serious reverence they held for the scene they were about to enact.
A Lighter Note: Casting Joel McHale
During the Vulture Fest interview, Lyle shared a humorous anecdote about casting Joel McHale for the third season. Upon spotting McHale at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, Lyle initially dismissed him as an impersonator due to his youthful appearance.
After tracking him down, Lyle asked him if he was really Joel McHale. His humorous response was that he was just a well-paid impersonator. This encounter eventually led to McHale’s recruitment to the show.
A Fan Turns Cast Member
Lyle revealed that McHale was a fan of the show and even bought merchandise for the team. When he was offered a role on the show, he thought it was a joke. As of now, details regarding McHale’s character in the upcoming season remain under wraps.
FAQs
What are “funeral parties” in the context of Yellowjackets?
These are gatherings that the cast members arrange whenever a character dies in the show. It’s a unique way they’ve developed to mourn their departed characters.
Who will Joel McHale play in the third season of Yellowjackets?
Details about Joel McHale’s character in the upcoming season are yet to be revealed.
What was the “hard-to-watch” scene in the previous season of Yellowjackets?
This refers to the cannibalism scene following the death of the character Jackie. The scene was intense and unsettling for both the cast and the viewers.
Credit: www.hollywoodreporter.com