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Emotional Farewell: Tawny Cypress Reacts to Shocking ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3 Death
The latest season of the acclaimed psychological thriller series, “Yellowjackets” Season 3, delivered a devastating blow to viewers with a major character death that deeply affected actress Tawny Cypress. The star, known for her portrayal of adult Taissa “Tai” Turner, revealed her emotional response to the demise of a central figure in the narrative.
Spoiler Alert
Please be advised: spoilers for “Yellowjackets” Season 3 follow.
Cypress, who embodies the adult version of Tai in the popular drama, openly wept while discussing the brutal passing of Van in a recent interview. The poignant moment highlighted the actress’s personal connection to the storyline and character.
Van’s Unexpected Demise
In episode nine, aptly titled “How the story ends,” adult Van, played by Lauren Ambrose, met a violent end. Hilary Swank’s character, adult Melissa, fatally stabbed Van in the chest. This shocking turn of events blindsided audiences, as Van’s prior diagnosis of aggressive cancer had seemingly foreshadowed her exit from the series via illness.
Speaking at the “Yellowjackets” Season 3 finale celebration in North Hollywood, California, on Thursday, April 10, Cypress shared her heartfelt emotions regarding saying goodbye to her on-screen romantic partner and close friend in real life. She also disclosed that a scene filmed for the impactful sequence was ultimately removed from the final cut of the episode.

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The Gruesome Aftermath
The finale depicted Tai carrying Van’s body into the woods. Contrary to initial viewer assumptions of a traditional burial, Tai engaged in a disturbing act – removing and consuming Van’s heart. This gruesome action was portrayed as a twisted attempt to appease nature, rooted in the traumatic survival lessons learned after their plane crash decades prior.
This unsettling decision stemmed from the profound trauma Tai endured when her soccer team’s plane crashed, leaving them stranded in the wilderness for over 19 months. These horrific experiences continue to haunt and influence her present-day actions.
Cypress struggled to contain her tears when questioned about the difficulty of bidding farewell to Ambrose’s character, reflecting the deep connection both on and off screen.
“It’s been incredibly challenging,” Cypress confided, mentioning Ambrose’s absence from the finale event due to illness.
“She was expected to be here this evening. I was looking forward to seeing her,” the actress shared as her emotions surfaced. “Please don’t make me cry. The reality is, I won’t get to see her, and it’s very difficult.”
Cypress affirmed that her tears during the final scene with Van were “completely genuine.”
Deleted Monologue Revealed
The actress further disclosed behind-the-scenes details about her character’s final moments with Van, revealing that a significant monologue in the woodland setting was omitted from the final episode.
“I was given the most exceptional speech I’ve ever had the opportunity to deliver. Regrettably, it was cut. Viewers will not get to see it, unfortunately,” Cypress exclusively told news outlets. “The reason for its removal remains unclear to me.”
She clarified that Tai’s monologue was intended to precede the graphic heart removal scene, adding depth and emotional context to the disturbing act.
“The speech was profoundly moving, articulating the depth of love she holds for Van,” Cypress explained. “I deeply cherished that monologue.”
Despite her disappointment about the cut scene, the actress offered a more lighthearted perspective, joking, “I still believe the scene is effective as it is. I’m not going to criticize the editorial choices, but in my opinion, the scene ultimately works quite well.”
Cypress also humorously described the prop heart used in the scene, noting its “gummy bear” consistency and “strawberry flavor,” adding it tasted as though it had been “sitting around for an extended period.”
She recounted needing multiple takes, going through three hearts before achieving the desired shot for the emotionally charged sequence.
Working with a Legend
When asked about her experience collaborating with season newcomer Swank, Cypress echoed the sentiments of many cast members, expressing immense admiration.
“Hilary is an absolute legend,” she stated.
The Academy Award-winning actress appeared in just two episodes of the latest season, yet her impactful performance significantly altered the trajectory of several core characters’ storylines.
Season 4 Speculation
Swank addressed the possibility of returning to the series should “Yellowjackets” be renewed for a Season 4, and her response might come as a surprise to fans of the psychological series.
As of this report, the gripping psychological drama has not yet received official confirmation for another season.
About “Yellowjackets”
“Yellowjackets,” which premiered in 2021, centers on a high school soccer team in the 1990s whose plane crashes in the remote Canadian wilderness. The series explores their desperate fight for survival and the extreme measures they undertake.
The narrative skillfully interweaves timelines, shifting between the 1990s and present day, following the lives of the survivors as they navigate adulthood and grapple with the lingering trauma of their past.
Characters portrayed by Cypress and Ambrose were among these survivors. Christina Ricci and Melanie Lynskey also star as adult versions of other plane crash survivors, further enriching the ensemble cast.
Where to Watch
“Yellowjackets” Season 3 is currently available for streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, allowing viewers to delve into the latest shocking developments of the captivating series.