Five years ago, Ashley Sutton auditioned for a role in the pilot of the critically acclaimed series, Yellowjackets. At the time, she was eager to expand her acting portfolio and had been a longtime admirer of the show’s creators, Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, who previously worked on Narcos and Narcos: Mexico. Reflecting on her initial audition experience, Sutton humorously recalls, “I was laughing a lot throughout the process. Ashley and Bart’s work is spooky yet funny, and that was evident even in the audition.” Although she didn’t land a role back then, her fascination with the show endured: “I became a diehard fan from the very start.”
Fast forward to today, Sutton received an unexpected call from her team about an opportunity to join the cast of a show she had come to love. Now, she portrays Hanna, an enthusiastic scientist researching the fictional Arctic Banshee Frog amidst the eerie Canadian wilderness. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Sutton reveals her journey of transitioning from fan to cast member.
Full Circle: The Casting Journey
Reflecting on her casting journey, Sutton admits that after her initial audition, she never expected to be called back, even as new cast members were continually auditioned. However, her team reached out about a new opportunity for Season 3. “I went through a few auditions, and then the showrunner called me. It was quick and surprising,” she explains. Throughout this process, her fan’s perspective remained intact, even while on set. “Hanna experiences the world of the Yellowjackets just like we do—wondering what’s happening and what they’re doing,” she adds.
A Passion for Drama
Sutton’s interest in film can be traced back to her grandmother’s collection of movies. “My grandmother had a bookshelf where she organized films by the newest releases. I’d watch movies all day when I visited,” she reminisces. Although she initially faced suggestions to pursue comedy due to her expressive features, Sutton clarifies her preference for complex characters, particularly those with morally ambiguous traits. “I’m drawn to female characters who believe in their righteousness, shaped by their experiences, even if they’re not right for everyone,” she notes.
From Journalism to Acting
Initially, Sutton pursued a degree in sports reporting while dabbling in acting. However, after contemplating her future in journalism, she decided to take a leap of faith. “I realized that the news environment was difficult, and I wasn’t sure it was where I wanted to be ten years down the line,” she recalls. Encouraged by a manager who offered to help her in Los Angeles, she quit her job, took a barista position for insurance, and transferred to a Starbucks in Burbank. “Within eight months, I began feeling like I could build a career in acting,” Sutton explains, as she fostered relationships with casting directors who recognized her potential.
Understanding Hanna’s Complexity
Upon receiving the audition scenes for Hanna, Sutton initially perceived her character as naive and innocent. “Hanna was focused on her quest to find frogs, and I had to delve into the significance of these frogs for her, which I think is crucial to her character development,” she elaborates. However, as she progressed through scripts, Sutton uncovered layers that revealed Hanna’s complexity. “I learned there was much more to her character than I initially thought,” she admits.
The Dark Side of Survival
When discussing the characters’ inherent darkness, Sutton suggests that survival could awaken latent instincts in anyone. “In extreme situations, people may do anything to survive. Even if Hanna had darkness within her, she might not have recognized it before the events unfolded,” she avers. A pivotal moment in Episode 7, where Hanna conceals herself in a log, represents her confrontation with this darkness as she prepares to fight for her survival. “That scene marked my initiation into Yellowjackets and was shot during a torrential downpour in Vancouver,” she recalls. “It was both thrilling and intimidating, especially during the ritual scene in Episode 6.”
Welcoming Atmosphere and Creative Ownership
For Sutton, joining a tightly-knit cast initially sparked anxiety. “My first day involved filming with Nelson Franklin and Joel McHale, followed by interactions with the whole ensemble,” she shares. Fortunately, she found the cast welcoming, excited to add new faces to their group. “It felt like a celebration to have new people join,” Sutton states.
During her journey, Sutton had the privilege of working with director Jennifer Morrison, who offered valuable insights. “Jennifer’s experience in television gave me the freedom to shape Hanna,” she explains. The two discussed motherhood, creating a deeper understanding of Hanna’s character.
The Unknown Future of Yellowjackets
Sutton admits she still grapples with the show’s unfolding mysteries. “We know that the characters will be rescued, but the details are unclear. When I first read this season’s script, I jokingly thought I would be the one rescuing everyone,” she laughs.
Yellowjackets Season 3 premieres new episodes every Friday on Paramount+ and airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on Showtime. Stay tuned for updates and exclusive interviews on THR’s season coverage, including insights from Joel McHale.