The Yellowjackets fandom has been eagerly awaiting Season 3, and with the long-awaited return comes a fresh face—Vanessa Prasad, who steps into the role of Gen. A self-proclaimed fan of the show before joining the cast, Prasad is ready to make the role her own while honoring the foundation built by her predecessor.
In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Prasad talked about her journey to joining Yellowjackets, the pressure of stepping into an established role, and what fans can expect from Gen in the upcoming season.
From Fan to Cast Member: Landing the Role of Gen
Prasad was already a Yellowjackets fan before she was cast in the series. "I’ve been watching the show since its release," she shared. "I love horror and this genre, so I already had Yellowjackets on my radar. And since it films in Vancouver, where I’m from, it always felt like something I would love to work on."
The opportunity came unexpectedly—and quickly. "I got the audition, and within three days, I was in a hair and makeup trial. It all happened so fast, it was nuts!" she recalled. "It was one of those things where my partner and I joked that if I didn’t get it, it would be heartbreaking. And then, miraculously, I booked it."
Stepping Into a Role with an Established Fanbase
Prasad is taking over the role of Gen from Mya Lowe, a transition that can be daunting, especially in a show with such a dedicated fanbase. "It’s kind of like walking into a new high school," she admitted. "The cast already has a dynamic that they’ve built over five years, so it was terrifying. But it wasn’t pressure from them—it was the pressure I put on myself because I love the show and wanted to do it justice."
To prepare, she did a deep dive into the previous seasons. "I had already watched the show, but after booking the role, I rewatched Seasons 1 and 2, taking notes and making sure I caught every little detail about Gen’s character," she explained. "I wanted to fully understand her relationships, especially with Melissa, since they’re so close."
She also had conversations with Lowe about the role. "Mya and I have a lot of mutual friends, but we’ve never met in person. She told me to make the role my own, which I really appreciated."
What to Expect from Gen in Season 3
Without giving too much away, Prasad teased that Gen’s role within the group evolves significantly this season. "She’s taken on a new role as the Hunter," she revealed. "Nat has trained her, and now she’s responsible for helping provide for the group."
But beyond that, she hinted that every character will play a crucial part in the group’s survival. "What’s really interesting is that as the story progresses, every single person has a role to play. It’s not just a few characters making decisions—this is a collective dynamic now."
Preparing for the Intensity of Yellowjackets
Surviving in the wilderness—both in the show’s storyline and on set—can be mentally and physically draining. Prasad credited the production design for helping her fully immerse herself in the role.
"The physical setting helps a lot. When you’re actually out in the wilderness, in costume, seeing the environment around you, it’s easy to sink into the reality of the story," she explained. "Our production team is so good at what they do, which makes it easier for us as actors."
Despite the show’s dark subject matter, Prasad and the cast found ways to lighten the mood between takes. "We joke around, sing, dance, and just have fun together," she said. "On days when the material gets really heavy, everyone just knows when to take space and decompress. Some days, you hang out and play board games in trailers, and other days, you just need to be alone and recharge."
Fan Theories and Reddit Rabbit Holes
The Yellowjackets fanbase is known for its deep-dive theories, and Prasad is well aware of them. "I was already on the Reddit pages before joining the show, so I knew all the fan theories about Gen," she admitted. "And honestly? Some of them are dead on."
One theory that particularly amuses her is Gen’s nickname in the fandom—Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. "I think it’s hilarious," she laughed. "I can’t say if it’s accurate, but it cracks me up."
Welcomed by the Cast
While joining an established ensemble can be nerve-wracking, Prasad was quickly embraced by her castmates. "I had my first hair and makeup trial, and then I went to a big cast rehearsal where I met everyone," she recalled. "I was so nervous. I actually had night sweats the night before—it really felt like I was starting at a new school."
Fortunately, her fellow cast members—especially those who joined in Season 2—helped ease her into the group. "Jenna (Melissa) and Nia (Akeelah) joined the show last season, so they understood what it felt like to come in later. They took us under their wing, which I really appreciated."
Looking Ahead: Season 3’s Biggest Moments
While she couldn’t reveal spoilers, Prasad teased that Episode 6 is a major one. "There were moments while watching clips back where I was screaming and giggling," she said. "I know I should probably set a boundary for myself and not go on Reddit right after it airs, but I have to see fan reactions!"
Would She Be Friends with Gen?
Prasad thinks she and Gen would get along—mostly. "I’d probably be friends with her, but she’s definitely more confrontational than I am," she admitted. "I don’t always have the courage to be as assertive as she is. It’s fun playing a character who has a bit more tenacity and strength than I do in real life."
If she were stranded in the wilderness, which character would she want with her? "Akeelah, 100%. She has so many survival skills, and I think Gen and Akeelah would make a great team."
Beyond Yellowjackets: What’s Next for Vanessa Prasad
In addition to Yellowjackets, Prasad also appears in School Spirits Season 2. "I played a cheerleader in Season 1, and I have a small role in Season 2," she shared. "It was tricky balancing both shows because they filmed at the same time, but I was really lucky that they made it work."
With Yellowjackets and School Spirits both hitting screens soon, 2024 is shaping up to be a big year for Prasad.
Where to Follow Vanessa Prasad
For fans who want to keep up with her journey, Prasad is active on Instagram at @VanessaPrasad. "I’ve got so many behind-the-scenes photos I can’t wait to share once the show airs!" she teased.
With Yellowjackets Season 3 promising even more twists, turns, and dark revelations, Vanessa Prasad’s portrayal of Gen is set to be a must-watch. Will Gen survive the season? Only time will tell.