Few shows grip audiences quite like Yellowjackets, and as it gears up for its highly anticipated third season, fans are bracing for even more psychological tension and brutal survival stakes. Steven Krueger, who plays the tormented Coach Ben Scott, promises that this season will be his most intense yet—both emotionally and physically. In our conversation, Krueger opens up about the challenges of portraying a character pushed to his absolute limits, the gruelling nature of filming, and how his journey in front of the camera has influenced his creative pursuits behind it.
SD – Yellowjackets has built a massive fanbase with its dark, psychological storytelling. Without giving too much away, what can we expect from Coach Ben in Season 3, and how does this season challenge you as an actor?
SK – This season has been by far the most challenging for me as an actor and for Coach Ben as a character. I suppose we both have the writers to thank for that. As the season starts, Ben is doing his best to survive in the wilderness on his own since he separated from the girls. And while he’s figuring it out just fine, his peaceful existence doesn’t last long. I think the emotional and physical torment that Coach Ben suffers this season is unlike anything I’ve ever done in my career. Every week on set was exhausting, but I’m so excited for everyone to see how it plays out.
SD – Your character, Ben Scott, has been through immense physical and emotional turmoil. How has your portrayal of him evolved from Season 1 to now, and what aspects of him have been the most rewarding—or the most difficult—to embody?
SK – Every season has just pushed the boundaries further and Season 3 is no exception. Things get absolutely insane. Ben is such an emotionally tormented human being and while that’s always a fun sandbox for an actor to play in, I think the physical challenges that Ben encounters have been both the most challenging and rewarding. Losing a leg in the beginning of the series, and having to learn how to survive in the most difficult conditions… I’ve really been forced to focus on physical movement as an actor and I think that’s added such an interesting element to the character.
SD – The show thrives on psychological tension and survival instincts. Have there been any scenes this season that were particularly intense to shoot, either physically or emotionally?
SK – In hindsight it almost feels like every single scene was particularly intense. I just think this season dives so deep into the gritty parts of this story that everyone has been waiting for. Episodes 3, 4, 5, and 6 all have some scenes that truly broke me, whether on an emotional level or just left me so physically exhausted that it was hard to get out of bed for a couple days. I’m excited to see how the fans react to some of what they’re about to experience. Good luck friends!
Directorial Debut & Creative Growth
SD – You recently directed, and executive produced Leaving the Light. What was it like stepping behind the camera for the first time, and how did your experience as an actor shape your approach to directing?
SK – I can honestly say it was one of the most challenging things I’ve done in my career so far. It gave me such an immense appreciation for just how hard it is to make anything in this business. Obviously, the time I’ve spent on so many different sets gave me a baseline understanding of how it all works on a day-to-day basis. Specifically, working with actors felt natural because I know how I like to collaborate with directors. So, I just used a little bit of the Golden Rule to work with my actors on the film. But there’s also so much that actors aren’t exposed to. I think this experience was a beautiful wake up call, reminding me just how much goes into filmmaking, and how insanely talented everyone is that contributes to each and every part of the process.
SD – Working in front of and behind the camera are two very different skill sets. Did anything surprise you about the directing process, and do you see yourself taking on more projects as a filmmaker in the future?
SK – I absolutely want to continue to explore working behind the camera. It was exhilarating. It worked the side of my brain that I usually try to turn off when I’m acting. I think the biggest surprise I encountered was the entire post-production process. It’s the area that I’ve had the least amount of exposure to and getting an opportunity to see those artists work was eye opening. I think some people perceive post-production artists as tech people. But my god, they are some of the most creative and talented people in our business. And seeing how a film can change so much throughout post is mind blowing.
Travel, Lifestyle & Personal Passions
SD – You’re known for your love of adventure—hiking, backpacking, and even training for a pilot’s license! What’s the most thrilling experience you’ve had while traveling, and what’s next on your bucket list?
SK – I still think skydiving out of a helicopter in Switzerland is pretty high on my list of thrilling experiences. Hiking Mt Whitney in California is up there too. My bucket list is too long, quite honestly, but I think the top of the list currently includes snowboarding in Japan and a safari in Botswana.
SD – Style-wise, you’ve described yourself as an “elevated casual” kind of guy. What are your go-to wardrobe essentials, and do you have a favorite travel outfit for your globe-trotting adventures?
SK – I love a good pair of jeans and a sweatshirt or a hoodie. My closet has a lot of different color combinations of those essentials. My dad was a pilot so when I was growing up and we were flying on his airline, one of the “rules” was that we had to dress up. Nice slacks, a button up shirt, loafers. So, I just assumed that’s how you were supposed to dress when you go on an airplane. I’ve gotten a little more casual flying as an adult, but I don’t think I’ll ever be someone who wears sweatpants or shorts on a flight.
Looking Ahead
SD – You’ve worked with some incredible actors and directors, and you’ve mentioned wanting to collaborate with Damien Chazelle, Meryl Streep, and Ryan Reynolds. What about their work inspires you, and if you could craft your dream project, what would it look like?
SK – Every artist I admire has one thing in common. They are unabashedly, unapologetically themselves, and that’s why they’re so successful. They aren’t trying to please anyone. They aren’t trying to do what they think people want to see. They’re expressing themselves in the only way that feels right to them, and that authenticity is what ultimately ends up endearing them to an audience. If Damien Chazelle wants to direct a film that stars me as Ryan Reynolds’ younger brother and we discover we’re in a hilarious love triangle with Meryl Streep, I’d be very on board. I’ll do it for free.
Photo credit-
Photographer: Storm Santos
Styling: Douglas Vanlaningham
Grooming: Kimberly Bragalone
