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Warning: Major spoilers ahead for the "Yellowjackets" season three finale.

In a dramatic twist that captivated audiences, Shauna's character took a dark turn in the finale of the third season of Yellowjackets. Despite the series intense and often brutal themes, actress Sophie Nlisse, who portrays the teenage Shauna, continues to express her support for the character, emphasizing the complexities of her journey.

Set against the backdrop of a horrifying survival story, Yellowjackets follows a high school girls' soccer team whose lives are irrevocably changed after their plane crashes in the wilderness. The narrative deftly intertwines their traumatic experiences as teenagers with their struggles as adults, 25 years later, grappling with haunting memories that refuse to fade.

Throughout the series, the characters have been pushed to their limits, but Shauna's experiences stand out as particularly harrowing. Having been responsible for the death of her best friend Jackie in the first season, coupled with the anguish of losing her baby to stillbirth while stranded, Shauna's descent into darkness in season three is both tragic and compelling.

The season finale, aptly titled Full Circle, harkens back to the series' origins, revisiting the chilling scene from the pilot where the girls, adorned in makeshift masks, hunt one of their own who falls into a pit. Fans have speculated for three seasons about the identities of Pit Girl and the enigmatic Antler Queen. In a moment that brought resolution to long-standing questions, the finale confirms that Mari was the unfortunate girl who met her fate in the pit and that Shauna was indeed the one leading the hunt as the Antler Queen.

The loss of Mari, portrayed by actress Alexa Barajas, was a poignant moment for the cast, who had grown close during filming. However, the excitement of finally unveiling these secrets overshadowed the sorrow. Nlisse shared her thoughts on the Antler Queen reveal, acknowledging that while it wasnt entirely shockingshe had sensed a shift in leadership dynamics between Shauna and Natalie (played by Sophie Thatcher)it was nonetheless thrilling to see it come to fruition.

With her new role of leadership, the question arises: will this newfound power satiate the rage and grief that have driven Shauna throughout the season? Nlisse posed this intriguing question, reflecting on whether it could provide Shauna with a sense of peace, even as she acknowledged the challenges ahead. The other survivors have been plotting against her, emboldened by Shauna's earlier decision to prevent their escape from the wilderness when a pair of scientists and a guide stumbled upon their chilling activities.

Im curious to see how long she can hold that power, Nlisse added, hinting at the potential struggles Shauna may face moving forward.

Additionally, Nlisse shared her interpretation of Shauna's relationships, particularly her bond with Jackie. Ghost Jackie, played by Ella Purnell, makes several appearances this season, adding layers to the narrative. In a pivotal scene, a drunken Travis confronts Shauna, suggesting that the thoughts of those who have died in the wilderness, including Jackie, are haunting him. He reflects on their past with a mix of nostalgia and envy, hinting at a deeper emotional connection between Shauna and Jackie.

While Traviss words raise questions about the nature of Shauna and Jackies friendship, Nlisse found herself surprised by the implications, noting that she had not viewed their relationship through the lens of romance. Yet, she acknowledged that many fans perceive a potential sexual undertone to their dynamic, particularly in light of Shauna's complicated history, including her affair with Jackies boyfriend, Jeff, who later became her husband.

Nlisse explained that the creators of the show have left the nature of their relationship open to interpretation, which only adds to the intrigue. Theres not an answer, actually, for that one. A lot of people have been hinting that there was sexuality between Jackie and Shauna, she said, acknowledging the complexity of the characters emotions.

As for the future of Shauna in a potential fourth season, Nlisse revealed that the cast typically receives scripts just a week before filming, meaning they remain in the dark about the broader storyline. This uncertainty leaves many questions unanswered, such as the fate of Taissa and the supernatural elements hinted at throughout the series.

Reflecting on her characters evolution, Nlisse noted, Every season has felt almost like a complete different character to me. This season, Shauna takes on a more villainous role, grappling with her trauma and the darker aspects of her personality. Despite the character's less favorable decisions, Nlisse believes that understanding her backstory allows for a greater empathy towards her actions.

Although everything that she does is maybe not excusable, you understand the why behind it. So I have a lot of empathy for her, she stated, expressing her enjoyment in exploring the darker facets of Shaunas character. As speculation buzzes about the potential for an even darker turn in season four, Nlisse expressed a conflicting desire for Shauna to push her limits while also needing to find some sense of calm.

The season three finale of Yellowjackets is now available for streaming on Paramount+.