‘Yellowjackets’ star Ashley Sutton says it was ‘so much fun’ to film Joel McHale’s demise: ‘He had to go’

Survival Instincts Take Over in “Yellowjackets” Season 3: Hanna’s Shocking Decision

In a stunningly brutal turn of events on “Yellowjackets” Season 3, dedicated fans witnessed a pivotal moment as the character Hanna, a scientist focused on frogs, made a snap decision with lethal consequences. To ensure her own survival, Hanna impulsively murdered fellow captive Kody after their attempted escape was thwarted by Shauna. This dramatic episode has left viewers reeling from the unexpected violence within the tense narrative of “Yellowjackets” season three.

Actress Ashley Sutton Reflects on Hanna’s Gruesome Act

Ashley Sutton, the actress portraying Hanna, shared in an exclusive interview that while the graphic scene involving a knife to the eye was “crazy,” she found the experience of enacting Kody’s demise to be surprisingly enjoyable. Sutton further elaborated on the motivations behind her character’s drastic actions and why Kody “had to go” in the context of the survival-driven storyline.

“It was incredibly fun to film Joel’s departure,” Sutton confessed, noting that it was Joel McHale’s final scene on the show.

The Turning Point: Episode 9’s Deadly Betrayal

In Episode 9, Hanna abruptly changes her allegiance, informing the Yellowjackets group that Kody was responsible for providing her with the knife to cut their bonds and flee. In reality, Natalie had supplied the tool.

When Kody resorts to a derogatory slur, Hanna reacts instantly and violently, plunging the knife into his eye socket, resulting in his immediate death. This act marks Hanna’s full integration into the Yellowjackets’ desperate world, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to survival at any cost.

Behind the Scenes of a Dramatic Scene

“I fully committed to the moment,” Sutton recounted about filming Kody’s death scene, adding that a stunt coordinator was present to ensure the actors’ safety while maintaining the scene’s realistic depiction of violence.

The actress further revealed that the prop knife used was bladeless and “magnetized,” which aided in achieving the precise and impactful visual of the fatal blow.

Hanna’s Desperate Drive to Survive

Sutton explained her understanding of why Hanna made such a swift and brutal decision against Kody.

“Hanna is solely focused on survival. She has been thrust into an utterly chaotic environment. We can all acknowledge the extreme circumstances unfolding in the wilderness this season. Her primary aim is simply to endure. She is determined to reach the end and return home,” Sutton conveyed.

Grief and Suspicion Inform Hanna’s Choice

Sutton elaborated that the motivations run deeper, noting that Hanna’s boyfriend, Edwin, had also been suspicious of Kody. Edwin tragically met his end in Episode 7 in a particularly gruesome manner, killed with an axe by young Lottie.

“In the instant she turns on Kody, I believe it’s not a calculated choice. Edwin’s concerns are persistently echoing in her mind. She is grappling with the anguish of his loss,” Sutton detailed. “So, all those instances where he expressed doubt about Kody, the backpack incident, everything replays in her thoughts continuously.”

The actress added that Hanna was operating in “fight or flight” mode, overwhelmed by the grief of losing Edwin and preoccupied with thoughts of her daughter back home.

A Choice of Necessity?

“I believe she ultimately wants to validate Edwin’s instincts in their relationship, as he consistently distrusted Kody for reasons unknown. Consequently, I think that unease was constantly present,” Sutton clarified, summarizing Hanna’s mindset as: “I must survive. I have to make it through this.”

While Hanna may grapple with the ethical implications of her lethal action, Sutton remarked, “Kody, I think he unfortunately did have to be eliminated.”

“Yellowjackets” Season 3 Finale Approaching

“Yellowjackets” Season 3 introduced several new personalities, including Emmy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank, expanding the ensemble cast.

The series features Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis, Tawny Cypress, Lauren Ambrose, and Melanie Lynskey, who portray the adult counterparts of the teenage survivors from a 1996 plane crash, a narrative loosely inspired by actual events.

This popular survival drama premiered in November 2021, quickly gaining a dedicated fanbase.

The highly anticipated “Yellowjackets” Season 3 finale is scheduled to air on Paramount+ with Showtime on Friday, April 11.