In retrospect, it was clear throughout the series that the Antler Queen‘s identity was Shauna, as her leadership role, whether willingly or unwillingly followed by the other women, had been evident long before the big reveal at the end of the third season.
The television show, focusing on a band of high school girls marooned on an island after a plane accident, has been given the green light for its fourth installment. This means we can expect additional narratives, both in the current timeline and delving into the past, to explain their ultimate rescue. Rewatching the series offers subtle hints suggesting Shauna was the Antler Queen well before her official unveiling.
Shauna Wasn’t Always the Antler Queen
In the debut episode of Yellowjackets, we’re introduced to a character known as the Antler Queen. This intriguing figure appears in an early scene depicting the girls consuming human flesh during a cannibalistic ritual. A woman dressed in white and adorned with a mask is overseeing these events, suggesting her role as a leader or possibly a supernatural being. Despite numerous speculations, her true identity remains unknown, with viewers bestowing the name Antler Queen upon her instead.
| Show Premiere Date | Number of Seasons | Where to Stream |
|---|---|---|
| November 14, 2021 | 3 | Paramount+ with Showtime |
It’s hinted at first that the character known as the Antler Queen could potentially be someone else, such as Lottie, especially when she is spotted wearing a crown adorned with antlers that resembles the one worn by the Antler Queen. In season two, when Lottie gives the crown to Natalie after it appears that “the wilderness” spares Javi instead of her, viewers may speculate that Lottie could now be the Antler Queen.
In a pivotal moment, I find myself recognizing Natalie had been concealing Coach Ben’s whereabouts after the fire. This revelation prompts Lottie to relinquish the crown from her, choosing instead to bestow it upon Shauna. It is in this instance that Shauna earns the title of Antler Queen, although it isn’t until the season three finale that this is explicitly demonstrated. Upon closer inspection, though, it becomes evident that there were numerous subtle indications long before this revelation suggesting that Shauna was destined to become the Antler Queen, gradually rising in power and authority within the wilderness.
The Clues That Shauna Was The Antler Queen
When Shauna gains undisputed control of the group, she assumes the role with energy and a firm hand. It’s under her leadership that they decide to consume Coach Ben after his demise, a decision made with a ruthless and cruel attitude. Her rule is marked by harshness and a lack of compassion. The women seem to fear rather than respect her as Shauna becomes increasingly malicious and power-hungry. These traits were hinted at from the start, even before the crash, beginning with her cruel ambition to subtly assert dominance over her best friend by stealthily dating her boyfriend.
| Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|
| 92% | 64% | 7.7/10 |
In the opening sequence, the Antler Queen signals for a meal. Right from their initial cannibalistic practices, Shauna is tasked with cutting up the meat and distributing the food. This implies that she not only organizes the feasts but also plays a significant role in its preparation, offering guidance on cooking methods and presentation.
Attentive spectators might spot that the Antler Queen’s gown contains human hair as well. It’s worth mentioning that Shauna has shown a peculiar interest in hair, such as asking for Mari’s hair after her demise and previously playing with Hannah’s tresses. Now, let’s move on to Mari – several theories accurately identified her as the Pit Girl. The point where she and Shauna developed their intense rivalry serves as another indication that Shauna is indeed the Antler Queen, presiding over the ritual of consuming Mari’s remains.
When the women initially discover the deserted cabin they’d call home for numerous months, Shauna is depicted touching the deer antlers adorning the wall, suggesting a sense of camaraderie towards them. Later in the same episode, Shauna slits a deer’s throat – a hint at her profound bond with this creature. These subtle indications reveal her deeper affinity for animals.
Shauna’s pregnancy hinted at her possible role as the Antler Queen, as tribes similar to theirs would typically value and safeguard the mother, particularly the baby. Regrettably, her baby didn’t live, but carrying the child to term may have underscored Shauna’s maturity and command within the group. Given that many women hadn’t experienced sexual activity yet, they might have perceived Shauna’s pregnancy as a symbol of her maturity, making her the most suitable leader among them.
After locating and apprehending Hannah and Kodiak, the group prepares to journey to the place they suggest could facilitate their rescue. However, Shauna firmly objects, advocating that leaving was not advisable. Despite their hesitance, the women are compelled to comply, as the determination in Shauna’s gaze and their own looks imply that no one holds more influence over them than she does.
As a film enthusiast, I find it striking that even with the opportunity to be saved, Shauna steadfastly declines joining Hannah and Kodiak in their rescue attempt. It seems as though she’s drawn to the wilderness, yearning for the control she never experienced in her everyday life. When the group attempts a daring escape during the dead of night, hoping to find safety, Shauna thwarts their plans, always one step ahead. In desperation, Hannah slaughters Kodiak to survive and swears loyalty. This act would have been unthinkable had she not viewed Shauna as a danger and a figure in command.
For a person to assume a leadership role effectively, they must possess the ability to make tough choices while keeping their feelings under control. On multiple instances, Shauna demonstrated this skill. One such incident involved her threatening Melissa and coming close to harming her severely, causing Melissa to submit out of fear. This act further solidified Shauna as the most logical candidate for the leadership position.
Shauna’s Heartlessness and Paranoia in Present Day Fits
Currently, following Lottie’s reunion with the women at their settlement, she experiences hallucinations, perceiving the figure of the Antler Queen. This suggests that a hunt without violence is fruitless, echoing sentiments similar to those Shauna frequently expressed in the wilderness. This further hints that Shauna is indeed the Antler Queen, as her presence on the compound triggers these visions for Lottie once more.
| Shauna Actor (Past) | Other Notable Roles | Shauna Actor (Present) | Other Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sophie Nélisse | Monsieur Lazhar, The Book Thief | Melanie Lynskey | Two and a Half Men, The Last of Us |
Lottie strongly believes that Callie is special because of her feelings towards Shauna, who is believed to be the Antler Queen. This belief might not have developed if both girls didn’t hold Shauna in high regard in their wilderness days. A hint at Lottie’s influence over the girls is revealed in season three when they discover that Melissa, who was thought to have died by suicide, actually survived many years after their rescue.
Melissa confides in Shauna that her feelings during their short-lived relationship in the wilderness weren’t genuine love, but rather an attempt to protect herself. She thought being romantically involved with Shauna could potentially save her from the atrocities Shauna was committing towards others. Given that someone else held the title of queen on the island, it seems Shauna didn’t possess the power to manipulate Melissa’s emotions in such a way.
The Signs Were Always There
Initially, the title of the Antler Queen wasn’t held by Shauna; it was actually Natalie who bore the crown first. However, the lady sporting the headdress in the opening scene was none other than Shauna, a tragic twist as the person they were feasting on was Mari.
Simone Kessell, who portrayed the grown-up Lottie, expressed in an interview that the Antler Queen symbolized a shared strength among them. “In essence, she was what helped these women persevere and survive in the wilderness.” In layman’s terms, it has become clear to fans by the end of the series that she embodied at least Shauna, their collective resilience.
| Creators | Genre | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson | Thriller Drama | 10 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, 1 Golden Globe nomination |
Shauna undoubtedly guided the women through the wilderness successfully. However, she appeared to prolong their stay there beyond what was necessary. As an older Shauna admitted in the final episode while journaling, she derived pleasure from her authority, and that craving persists even today. In retrospect, it was clear to the surviving women that Shauna sought power all along.
There was no question in anyone’s mind about Shauna being capable of horrific acts. She was often the prime suspect whenever something went awry or someone met an untimely end. Her seemingly innocent, bored housewife demeanor turned out to be a facade. These women recognized her true nature and were wary of her due to it. They knew what she was capable of in the past, and they had no doubt that she was still just as dangerous today.
There’s no guarantee that Shauna will remain the Antler Queen until the women are saved. The wilderness decides this role, so if a new clear indication arises that power dynamics have changed, someone else might take over as the Antler Queen before rescue. However, for now, Shauna is still the Antler Queen and doesn’t intend to give up her position to anyone else.
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2025-07-07 05:54