Warning: this article contains massive spoilers for "Yellowjackets."

Van was never meant to survive "Yellowjackets." It's hard to believe, considering the major role she now plays in the series — especially her relationship with Tai. Melanie Lynskey revealed in an interview with Jessica Shaw that Van was originally supposed to die in the first season. The series creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson confirmed this at the PaleyFest, ultimately deciding that instead of a tragic death for Van, it would be funnier for her to keep cheating it (via Vulture). They were also impressed by Liv Hewson's performance, the cool confidence and swagger they bring to the role in the smallest of details, such as "when Jackie lined everybody up at the kegger, and Liv made the choice to top off their beer before stepping forward." This small gesture was enough to bump Hewson up to a regular cast member.