Melanie Lynskey Navigates Comedy and Drama as Cannibalistic Shauna
For Melanie Lynskey, portraying Shauna Shipman in "Yellowjackets" involves balancing the delicate line between humor and tragedy.
Lynskey notes that Shauna bears the weight of her past. "She's been through so much," Lynskey told Variety. "She discovered her pregnancy, then suffered a devastating loss." Despite her experiences, Lynskey appreciates the character's lighter moments in Season 3, particularly in the 1990s storyline featuring Sophie Nélisse as a young Shauna.
"Shauna is becoming more at ease with herself," Lynskey explains. "She rarely gets the chance to be playful. So it's delightful to include more scenes where Sophie can inject some humor. She's incredibly funny."
Regarding Shauna's parenting of Callie (Sarah Desjardins), Lynskey reveals that Shauna is unfazed by her daughter's violent tendencies. "Shauna doesn't seem to be overly concerned about Callie's actions," she says. "She has the attitude of 'I understand it's not ideal, but it could be worse.' She refuses to discipline her."
Callie, according to Desjardins, seeks to establish a connection with her mother, which drives her to wear Jackie's (Ella Purnell) necklace in the present day. "She recognizes the bond between Jackie and Shauna," Desjardins explains. "Callie craves that same closeness with Shauna herself. The writers skillfully incorporate moments where Callie's actions subtly remind Shauna of Jackie, reflecting Callie's longing and desire for a connection."
Misty Quigley, portrayed by Samantha Hanratty in the 1990s, remains an outcast in the wilderness despite her survival skills. Hanratty reveals that Misty prioritizes group acceptance over forming genuine friendships.
"Unfortunately, she would rather have the entire group's approval," Hanratty says. "At least during her teenage years. Perhaps as she matures, she might choose Natalie [Sophie Thatcher]. They share an unspoken connection. But at this stage, she just wants to be liked and needed by everyone."