Warning: This article contains spoilers from Yellowjackets season 3, episode 4, “12 Angry Girls and 1 Drunk Travis.”

The life of a Yellowjacket is never safe, not even long after they’ve left the wilderness. It’s a lesson we were once again reminded of when the fourth episode of Yellowjackets‘ third season ended with the death of Lottie (Simone Kessell).

At this point, we have no idea how she died or what she was up to, but if we know Misty (Christina Ricci), she’ll want answers.

Entertainment Weekly spoke with Kessell, who joined the show as Adult Lottie — her teen counterpoint is played by Courtney Eaton — in season 2 as the leader of a cult. But ever since Natalie’s (Juliette Lewis) death at the end of season 2, Lottie’s life hasn’t quite been the same. See what Kessell had to say about the shocking twist below.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Well, I’m devastated, but I’m also excited to talk to you.

SIMONE KESSELL: I know. “Devastation” is a word I, too, would use in the passing of Lottie. I mean, what the f—?

I was talking to Melanie Lynskey recently, and she said she was so upset when she found out.

Melanie and I have cried a few times together. We’re such close friends. Working together is just everything to us both. I don’t understand. But look, on this show, I guess people are going to die, right? So people die. I just didn’t see it coming.

That was something I wanted to ask you: Did they sit you down at the start of the season and tell you? How long did you know that this was coming?

Well, the crazy thing is nobody called me or told me. I was away in Montreal filming a show, and I hadn’t heard from anybody, but I knew Yellowjackets was starting up. So it was actually my agent who called them and said, “Hey, can we schedule a call?” And then we did. It was a very strange call because it sounded like they had good news, but I think because they’re writers, they just thought it was cool. And they said, “She dies.” And I was like, “What?” I was so shocked. It was really weird. And look, I think if you ask any actor who’s honest, it’s always a bit shocking, especially if you love the show.

But to me, I was a bit shocked because also the character of Lottie is so unique and she’s so different. And I had just such incredible feedback about the character. And then they said, “She dies in episode 4, but then we’ll find out how she dies in episode 10.” It’s like you’ve created something, and then nobody wants it anymore or something. Do you know what I mean? You create these characters, and when you no longer get to play in their skin, it’s upsetting.

And I feel like you had such a unique perspective, having joined the show in season 2 as such a highly anticipated addition.

She’s such a great character. And also, ultimately, I felt bad for Courtney because she created the character. I still don’t know why they made that decision. But look, it’s the kind of show where people die. And let’s just say Lottie’s not the only one this year.

On this show, it doesn’t mean she’s gone for good. If anyone would come back as some type of spirit, it would be Lottie.

That is so true. It really would. She was so much fun while she was there, and what an absolute honor and privilege to get to play such a crazy character and carry on from Courtney. It was a dream role.

Speaking of Courtney, did you have to break the news to her?

Yeah, I did. And she was like, “What?” It was such a strange thing: For writers to write something that they love and then tell an actor who’s not necessarily as thrilled is such a different world. But I think she’ll be remembered. I hope so. I think some of the episodes are amazing, and season 3 is really interesting. Lottie will come as a spirit or a ghost, for sure, or [in] a flashback.

Yellowjackets drops new episodes Fridays on Paramount+ with Showtime.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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