What was the significance of Mari’s revelation as the ‘Pit Girl’ in the Season 3 finale of Yellowjackets? How did Alexa Barajas feel about her character’s long-anticipated fate? What themes of conflict and betrayal are present in Mari’s relationship with Shauna? How did fan theories influence the show’s narrative, especially regarding the identity of ‘Pit Girl’? In what ways did the Season 3 finale provide closure for various character arcs, particularly Mari’s?
Nearly six years in the making, one of Yellowjackets‘ most anticipated scenes finally came to fruition on this week’s Season 3 finale episode.
After a faceless brunette was teased as a victim of the cannibalistic soccer team’s “hunt” in the beginning of the 2021 Karyn Kusama-directed pilot episode, Mari actress Alexa Barajas told Deadline she’s long “had a feeling” her character would be revealed as the infamous ‘Pit Girl’.
“I didn’t always know, but I did have a hunch,” said Barajas. “I think after watching the pilot, I saw this girl running in the woods, and I said, ‘I think I look a whole lot like her.’ So, I had a feeling that this was where it was gonna all end up, and I am so excited that we finally got to do it.”
Fans are sure to be excited as well, as many have been theorizing about Pit Girl’s identity since the beginning, as well as the ‘Antler Queen’ (who is also revealed to be Sophie Nélisse’s Shauna).
“I think it’s so funny ’cause the fans, I think they’re on such polar opposite ends,” explained Barajas. “They either really want me to be Pit Girl or they really don’t want me to be Pit Girl, but I think in the end, they both know I’m gonna be Pit Girl. And so hopefully, now that they’re getting their answers, they’ll be satisfied.”
Barajas also noted that her character’s fate was foreshadowed at the beginning of the season, when Coach Ben (Steven Krueger) captured her in the same pit, which hadn’t yet been modified with Travis’ (Kevin Alves) death spikes that were intended for Lottie (Courtney Eaton).
“All the pit stuff, it was cool ’cause I actually got to spend time in the pit. Not only did I get to end there, but I got to actually have full scenes inside the pit,” said Barajas, adding that she had “so much fun, probably my favorite season yet.”
Read on about Yellowjackets star Alexa Barajas’ experience recreating the infamous ‘Pit Girl’ scene from the pilot for the Season 3 finale ‘Full Circle’, which is now available to stream on Paramount+ with Showtime, before airing Sunday at 8pm ET on Showtime.
DEADLINE: I was so excited to see Pit Girl finally be revealed. How far back did you know that Mari was going to be Pit Girl?
ALEXA BARAJAS: I didn’t always know, but I did have a hunch. I think after watching the pilot, I saw this girl running in the woods, and I said, “I think I look a whole lot like her.” So, I had a feeling that this was where it was gonna all end up, and I am so excited that we finally got to do it.
DEADLINE: I know the pilot was shot months before a lot of you came on, so did they include specifically “brunette” or something in Mari’s casting breakdown?
BARAJAS: I don’t actually remember, but I wanna say probably. I think it must have been there and I probably just didn’t even think about it at the time that I was signing up for it.
DEADLINE: But you came on after that?
BARAJAS: Yeah, after the pilot was actually shot, I came on. And it was cool because I got to actually watch the pilot before filming episode two, and then we shot some scenes to add on to the pilot. It honestly just made it so exciting ’cause I love the pilot, so it just set me up for a great season.
DEADLINE: Have you been keeping up with all of the fan theories and everyone who is guessing that you were Pit Girl?
BARAJAS: Yeah, I think it’s so funny ’cause the fans, I think they’re on such polar opposite ends. They either really want me to be Pit Girl or they really don’t want me to be Pit Girl, but I think in the end, they both know I’m gonna be Pit Girl. And so hopefully, now that they’re getting their answers, they’ll be satisfied.
DEADLINE: Tell me about like recreating that opening scene from the pilot. Was it difficult kind of like nailing all of the movements?
BARAJAS: I mean, I really wanted it to match as much as possible, so that you can feel that full circle moment. And I really paid attention to the way she was running and wanted to make sure that all the pieces were in place, the way that she’s laying in the pit, for that to match properly. We really wanted to do it right. It was cool, I got to collaborate with the hair department and the wardrobe department as to how we wanted this reveal to happen, cause as soon as she draws the card, I think hopefully you’re still unsure as to whether it’s her or not. And then, once she goes to do the scarecrow and the zipper comes undone and the jacket comes off, and the hair is all of a sudden down, you go, “Oh shit, it is her!” And then you get some beats of her running through the woods, getting hunted, until she’s finally in the pit.
*DEADLINE: With the spike through her face.* ***
BARAJAS: Yeah, through and through.
DEADLINE: And it was obviously satisfying realizing that we finally get to see Pit Girl, but it’s also super devastating how it happened with Shauna ruining their plan and then kind of getting back at Mari after their long-standing beef. Tell me about that and how it fits into her ultimate arc.
BARAJAS: I think it’s really cool this season cause you see her have so much conflict with Shauna right off the top, and you see them literally physically fighting at the beginning. And I think Mari is really just trying to prove to everybody, “Can’t you see what’s going on? Don’t you see who she is and what she’s doing?” And I don’t think anybody really believes her until it’s too late, and Shauna really just kind of took power and took over everybody. So, I think it’s awesome that it really does again feel very full circle that you see them having so much conflict in the beginning, and then kind of make up somewhere in the middle, and then by the end, it is Shauna’s fault ultimately that she changes the odds and gets Mari to be the one, unintentionally in some way, to pick the queen of hearts.
*DEADLINE: Yeah, but it’s extra sad that it happened just before they supposedly get rescued because Natalie calls for help as well. But I guess that has to be what pushes them into getting exposed when they do get found, and Shauna being depicted as the monster of the show.* ***
BARAJAS: Yeah, 100%, and I mean she was so close to making it, but it just didn’t go her way.
DEADLINE: Do you think Mari’s death was part of the guilt that pushed Travis to kill himself since he was the one who set up the pit?
BARAJAS: Yeah, poor Travis, man. I feel like he’s got so many deaths on his back. He feels, I’m sure, guilty for Jackie, for his brother. And now, having been the one to—cause Mari did survive the pit without the spikes at the beginning of the season, so now the spikes are what made it… the killer bit.
DEADLINE: Also on the topic of guilt, do you think she felt guilt about getting Coach Ben captured?
BARAJAS: A hundred percent. I think when she was with him in the caves, she was so vulnerable, and in some ways, it was so nice that we got to see Mari shed off her hard exterior that she keeps up with everybody. And after she spends so much time with Coach Ben, she was able to get in touch with her vulnerable side and her “real self.” And I think she didn’t necessarily want him dead, she just wanted to be accepted by the group. I think she felt in a corner, threw him under the bus, not expecting the repercussions that were gonna come with it. And once she couldn’t defend him anymore, I do think that she feels like his death was her fault, that he deserved better and his suffering was her fault.
DEADLINE: What was it like for you getting a chance to flesh out Mari this season, and all of those emotions before this ultimate reveal?
BARAJAS: It was so much fun. I think what’s so fun about Mari is that even though the topics can be so dark and heavy, she somehow can be so naive or oblivious that she’ll just make light of things, almost not on purpose. So, it just makes it so fun for me to play. She at the end of the day is a teenager going through all this. Like when she’s singing the song in the cave, there’s such a lighthearted part of Mari. But it was also nice to get in touch with what’s really inside and what she was really thinking and get to voice it for everybody to also get to know. That was really awesome. And then, she’s so quick to switch from one side to the other, as soon as she’s back with the group, she’s like, “Actually, I like this.” And she just completely went 180 on what she had accomplished.
DEADLINE: Yeah, but I feel like that’s kind of the theme with a lot of the girls. It feels like there are alliances being made and then switched in these last few episodes, especially as they’re seemingly about to get rescued.
BARAJAS: Yeah, it really made everyone kind of decide, you’re either here or there, and the line was clearly drawn.
DEADLINE: Also, I keep up with a lot of the fan forums, and I just wanted to tell you that you had a lot of quotable nuggets this season, from, “go fuck your blood dirt, Lottie,” to, “I walked back to civilization so I could fuck your dad.”
BARAJAS: [LAUGHS] I remember reading that and going, “Oh, this is so funny. I am so happy I get to say this.”
DEADLINE: Have you had fans quoting any of the other lines to you, or any favorites of yours?
BARAJAS: I mean, I hope that the next one to get quoted now is, “Oh my god, fuck off.” I think that’s the perfect line to be her final words. I think that they’re very fitting to Mari.
*DEADLINE: Yeah, definitely a mood. I feel like Mari’s gonna live on in meme form forever.* ***
BARAJAS: Forever.
Title: Inside “Full Circle”: Yellowjackets’ Pit Girl Actress Talk on Filming the Pilot Scene
In the surreal and tangled world of television, the boundary between real and fantasy often blurs, a feat accomplished with remarkable precision in Yellowjackets. The acclaimed Showtime series has captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling, layered characters, and haunting visuals. One of the dynamic elements introduced in the show is the enigmatic “Pit Girl,” portrayed uniquely by actress Jasmin Savoy Brown. With the impending project “Full Circle,” fans were eager to learn more about her experiences and challenges in bringing to life the intensity of the character. Recently, Brown opened up about filming the pilot scene for the series, offering insights into the creative process and her emotional journey.
From Concept to Character
The role of the Pit Girl is much more than a mere supporting part; it is a pivotal reveal within the narrative. Set against the backdrop of a haunting and hostile wilderness, this character represents the struggle for survival, where morality is thrown into question. Brown describes the preparation for the role as deeply transformative. Drawing from her extensive training, she harnessed various techniques—method acting, immersing herself into the mindset of her character, and even studying survival psychology to understand the desperation and resilience required in such extreme situations.
“Every time I step into the role, it feels like I’m not just acting; I’m participating in a visceral experience,” Brown explains. “It’s about embodying this young woman who goes through immense turmoil, navigating despair and hope amidst chaos. The Pit Girl holds a significant weight in the survival of the group and is emblematic of the collective trauma they experience.”
Filming the Scene: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Filming the pilot scene for “Full Circle” was an emotionally charged experience for Brown. In a Q&A session with the press, she shared how they approached the tense moments leading up to and during the scene, emphasizing the working relationship with the director and fellow cast.
“One of the most important aspects was establishing trust with my co-stars and the crew, especially during the more profound and intense scenes,” she shared. “In the pilot, I had to push the boundaries of what I was comfortable with. There are emotions that you won’t typically showcase, and this meant being vulnerable in front of the camera.”
The intense atmosphere was further amplified by the stunning cinematography, which captures the isolation and disarray that the characters experience. Brown noted that the visual elements of the scene resonated with her, enhancing her performance. “When you have the beautiful albeit terrifying landscape around you, it forces you to dig deeper. The environment is an extension of the character’s turmoil.”
The Connection Between Past and Present
A significant aspect of Yellowjackets and now “Full Circle” is the women’s circle of friendships amidst harrowing experiences. The dynamic consists of shared trauma and transformation, which eerily resonate with real-world issues surrounding female empowerment but also the struggle against society’s expectations. Brown reflects on how the camaraderie of shared experiences influences the storytelling.
“The friendships amongst the characters are beautifully layered. They don’t shy away from showing the conflict and love that come from deep, rooted connections. As we dive deeper, it becomes apparent that trauma can either fracture relationships or strengthen them. We see it all here in ‘Full Circle,’ and it’s profoundly moving,” Brown elaborates.
Balancing the Intensity with Lightness
While the narrative of "Full Circle" is laced with intensity and darkness, Brown emphasizes the warmth and humor shared behind the scenes. Laughter is essential; it serves as a coping mechanism during long shooting days. The vibrant cast interacts frequently, creating an atmosphere that balances the weightiness of the subject matter, ensuring that they conserve the emotional stamina required for filming.
“The stakes are high, and we know our characters are navigating some serious challenges, but between takes, we find moments of levity. It helps us come back to the work fresh and ready to tackle the complexities of our characters. We’re invested in them, and we want our viewers to see that,” she remarks, showcasing an infectious enthusiasm.
Looking Forward: The Impact of “Full Circle”
As the premiere of “Full Circle” approaches, anticipation mounts not just for the story that unfolds but for the journey of Brown’s character, the Pit Girl. Audiences are keen on deciphering the enigmas that wrap around the character arc and the impact it leaves on the overarching themes of survival, morality, and human connection.
Brown carries immense enthusiasm as she discusses the unfolding adventure. “With every scene that unravels, I want to explore the depths of what it means to hope and to fight for survival. I think the viewers will find their hearts racing and eyes watering as they witness the emotional odyssey of these characters,” she adds.
Yellowjackets has already set a high bar, and with Full Circle on the horizon, viewers can expect a rich tapestry of storytelling interwoven with powerful performances and complex emotional narrative—a true testament to Brown’s investment in the role. As she prepares to delve deeper into the character’s psyche, fans eagerly anticipate the chaos and catharsis that will unfold on screen.
The actress who played the Pit Girl in “Yellowjackets” recently discussed her experience filming the pilot scene for the series. She highlighted the intense atmosphere on set and the challenge of portraying such a significant role within the show’s dark narrative. The character, known for her mysterious and haunting presence, has garnered a lot of attention from fans, and the actress shared insights into the emotional depth required for the role. She emphasized the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew to bring the unsettling themes of survival and trauma to life, creating a compelling story that resonates with viewers. Her reflections also touched on the impact of the show’s success and its ability to spark conversations about the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances.