fbpx

interview | steven krueger

jacket. Calvin Klein
gloves. Saint Laurent

Credits

Welcome back to the wilderness — both literal and metaphorical. As Yellowjackets returns for its much-anticipated third season, the stakes are higher, the mysteries darker, and the tension thicker than ever. Since its explosive debut, this genre-blending masterpiece has captivated audiences with its mix of psychological horror, survival drama, and an unapologetic dose of ’90s nostalgia. At the heart of the show’s gripping chaos is none other than Coach Ben Scott, portrayed by the talented Steven Krueger. Ben’s journey has evolved from a figure of authority and stability to a man grappling with both his physical limitations and the psychological toll of survival. Season 3 promises to push him even further.

In conversation with Schön!, Krueger opens up about the intense filming experience, the emotional depths of his character, and why this season is the ultimate payoff fans have been waiting for. From braving the real forest during summer shoots to navigating the precarious dynamics between Ben and the girls, Krueger offers a tantalizing glimpse into what’s ahead.

shirt + trousers. MM6 Maison Margiela
shoes. Ann Demeulemeester
opposite
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais

Credits

Season 3 of Yellowjackets is finally here! How does it feel to be back, and what can you tease about what’s ahead for Coach Ben this season?

It’s been a long time coming, so what a thrill to be back! The writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 set us back about six to seven months from our usual season timeline, so I know the fans have been waiting (mostly) patiently. I can guarantee this season is worth the wait, though. I’ve been calling it “the payoff season.” Everyone wants answers—and believe me, they’re coming!

We know you have some big episodes coming up. Without giving too much away, what was it like filming those, and how do you think fans will react?

I don’t have to give any spoilers to say that it was the most intense filming experience we’ve had yet on this show. We were back filming during the summer months, which was a blessing because we actually got to return to the real forest. It’s an infinitely better experience filming outdoors in the elements than on a soundstage. I can confidently say that fans will be in a constant state of shock and awe as we dive deeper into the season.

Your character, Ben Scott, has had quite a journey since season one. How would you describe his mindset going into season three, and how does he evolve this time around?

At the start of this season, we’ve jumped ahead six months from where we left off in season two. Ben has essentially run away from home after realizing that his chances of survival might actually be better on his own. So, for better or worse, he’s learning how to survive—finding whatever food he can and, most importantly, staying far away from the girls. But once he’s forced back into contact with the team, he has to navigate a very precarious situation, realizing they’re out for revenge.

Yellowjackets thrives on mystery and suspense. How much do you personally like to know about your character’s arc ahead of time, and how much do you prefer to be surprised?

As an actor, I think it’s important to know everything I possibly can ahead of time. Of course, it’s fun for the audience to be surprised, but part of my job is to craft that story arc in a way that maximizes suspense. To do that, I have to be the architect behind the scenes, shaping the performance every step of the way. I’m grateful that our writers and producers have been so helpful in that process at the start of each season.

You were originally on the path to becoming an attorney. Do you ever think about what your life would look like if you had stuck with law instead of acting?

I don’t have to think very hard—I just watch my friends who became attorneys! As fulfilling as a law career might be at times, I think I made the right choice.

coat. Loewe
tank top. Dries Van Noten
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
full look. Saint Laurent

Credits

You’ve played a wide range of characters, from The Originals to Roswell, New Mexico and now Yellowjackets. What’s been the most challenging role you’ve taken on so far?

Every character I’ve played has been uniquely challenging in its own way. I’ve actually found that the more different a character is from myself, the better my work tends to be. It forces me to be creative rather than relying on my own default behavior or mannerisms. But without a doubt, Coach Ben has been the biggest challenge. He has a physical disability and so many layers of emotional trauma that it’s hard to sift through them all. But this is the kind of role every actor dreams of playing—it offers so much room for imagination and creative exploration.

You’ve been recognized as a scene-stealer in multiple shows. What do you think makes a performance stand out, even in an ensemble cast?

I honestly wish I knew the answer to that—every actor does. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes a performance stand out. Sometimes, it’s sheer happenstance that a particular actor, in a particular role, in a particular story, just clicks. More often than not, though, I think the key to every great performance is specificity. On a scene-to-scene basis, what exactly is the character thinking, feeling, and experiencing? My job as an actor is to put myself in a creative headspace that allows me to truly live in those moments when the camera is rolling.

You’re involved in a lot of philanthropic efforts, from environmental work to food banks and Habitat for Humanity. What causes are closest to your heart right now?

It’s such a tense time, both in America and around the world. I’ve found it overwhelming trying to figure out how best to contribute to the causes I believe in. So, I’m focusing as much as possible on local philanthropic opportunities—helping people close to me. I’m also slowly getting more involved in the Nashville political scene, where I currently live. The LA fires have consumed a lot of our collective attention to start the year. Even though I’m no longer a full-time LA resident, seeing that city come together and rally support for the victims has been heartwarming.

You like to keep people guessing about your next move — so what’s next for you after Yellowjackets? Anything you can tease?

Isn’t it way more fun to keep people guessing? I’m eager to see what’s next in my career. In the immediate future, I’m in post-production on a short film—my directorial debut. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to get behind the camera for a while, so I’m really excited to finish the film and share it with the world. It’s been an eye-opening experience and has certainly made me appreciate just how difficult it is to make anything in this business. But I’ll be ready to do it again as soon as possible!

cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
coat. Loewe
knit. Isabel Marant
trousers. AMI Paris
shoes. Balenciaga

Credits

Yellowjackets is airing now.

photography. Ben Cope
fashion. Douglas VanLaningham
grooming. Kimbery Bragalone
interview. Alper Kurtel