Yellowjackets Star Courtney Eaton on That Brutal Fight and Season 2 Schism

After a startling first season, Yellowjackets returns for a second round of thrills, spills, and shocking twists. The show’s breakout star, Courtney Eaton, who plays the rebellious and resourceful Lottie, gives us the inside scoop on what to expect in the upcoming season.

As the youngest member of the stranded soccer team who turned to cannibalism to survive in the wilderness, Lottie had a lot to prove in the first season. But Eaton delivered a performance that was both nuanced and fierce, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

In this exclusive interview, Eaton opens up about the challenges of filming season 2, the character’s evolution, and that brutal fight scene. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for some serious drama.

The Evolution of Lottie

When we last left off, Lottie had just witnessed the stunning revelation that her mother, Natalie, was still alive and well – and living in a nearby town. For Eaton, that reveal was a game-changer for her character.

“Lottie was essentially abandoned by her mother at a young age, so finding out that she’s still out there was a huge deal,” she says. “It’s going to make Lottie reassess everything she thought she knew about herself and her life, and it’s going to have repercussions for the whole group.”

For Eaton, portraying Lottie’s emotional journey has been one of the highlights of the show. “I love how complex she is,” she says. “She’s not just one thing – she’s tough and vulnerable, strong and sensitive. It’s really fun to play a character that has so many layers.”

The Challenges of Season 2

While the first season was focused primarily on the characters’ struggle to survive in the wilderness, the second season promises to delve deeper into their psychological states. Eaton admits that this presented its own set of challenges.

“Season 2 is definitely a lot more of a mindf***,” she says. “There are a lot of twists and turns that I think people are going to be really surprised by. As an actor, you’re always trying to find the truth in any given scene, but when the story is constantly shifting, it can be tricky to stay grounded in your character’s emotional reality.”

But Eaton is quick to add that the challenges were what made the show so rewarding to work on. “The writers constantly surprised us with where they took the story,” she says. “It was exhilarating to read each new script and see what was in store for us.”

That Brutal Fight Scene

One of the most memorable moments of the first season came when Lottie faced off against fellow Yellowjacket Taissa Farmiga in a brutal fight to the death. For Eaton, filming that scene was both physically and emotionally grueling.

“It was definitely the most intense thing I’ve ever had to do as an actor,” she says. “We spent hours rehearsing the fight choreography and making sure we both felt comfortable with the physicality of it. But it was also emotionally exhausting – Lottie and Shauna [Farmiga’s character] have so much history and so much anger towards each other, so we really had to tap into that.”

But in the end, Eaton believes that the scene was crucial to the story. “It was a turning point for Lottie,” she says. “She had to confront a lot of her own demons in order to survive, and I think that fight was a big part of that journey.”

What’s Next for Lottie?

As season 2 unfolds, Eaton promises that fans can look forward to even more twists and turns – and some surprising revelations about Lottie and her fellow survivors.

“I think people are going to be shocked by where the story goes,” she says. “There are some big surprises in store, and some of the characters are going to be pushed to their limits in ways they never expected.”

But as for Lottie specifically? Eaton teases that her character is in for a bumpy ride. “She’s definitely going to have to confront some of her own demons this season,” she says. “And I think people will be surprised by what they learn about her past and her motivations.”

Final Thoughts

With its gripping storytelling and standout performances, Yellowjackets has quickly become one of the most buzzed-about shows on television. And with Eaton’s performance as Lottie at the center of it all, it’s no wonder why.

“I feel really lucky to be a part of this show,” she says. “It’s been an incredible experience to see the characters and the story evolve over the course of two seasons. I can’t wait for people to see what we’ve been working on.”

So mark your calendars and get ready for some edge-of-your-seat drama – because Yellowjackets season 2 is coming in hot.