Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Showtime series Yellowjackets and the Netflix show Squid Game.
The survivors on Showtime’s Yellowjackets have shown that they’re capable of incredible things, but only a few of them have what it takes to make it to the end in Netflix’s Squid Game. Whether it’s the teenagers who have learned survival skills or their adult counterparts who are strategic and smart enough to solve murders, some of the characters have proven that they can ace the deadly competition.
Since Yellowjackets depicts both the teenage and adult counterparts of the survivors, it’s fair to assume that the most mature versions of the characters would participate in Squid Game. This means that characters like Jackie, Van, Lottie, and others who presumably don’t get rescued are stuck with their teenage bodies and experiences. Misty, Nat, Tai, and Shauna, on the other hand, have the advantage of taking on the lethal rounds as their adult selves. Travis will likely participate as his teenage self, as it’s the version of his character that fans know most about so far.
Adam Martin
Despite being an adult, Adam likely wouldn’t do well in the twisted contest. Aside from not having the same brutal 18-month long survival experience as the other characters, he also hasn’t shown that he can be cutthroat, strong, or manipulative on the show.
In fact, Adam is somewhat naive and idealistic, which are not qualities that can help him in Squid Game. He may be responsible for some of the best quotes in Yellowjackets, but he probably wouldn’t live long enough to quote Kurt Vonnegut in the frantic round of red light, green light.
Jackie Taylor
It’s obvious to most fans that Jackie is completely out of her element out in the wilderness. Her popularity and effortless beauty aren’t too useful in the great outdoors. Fans may recall how one of her mentors points out that she’s the captain of the team not because she’s the most skillful soccer player, but simply because she’s influential.
Influence won’t do much in the competition in Squid Game, as fans may recall how Deok-su’s stint as a leader eventually ends. Jackie may be able to use her cunning and vengeful side to get through a few rounds, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see her fail early on.
Vanessa Palmer
Van has one main advantage if she ever joins the game: her relationship with Taissa. They’re fiercely protective of each other and it’s not too hard to imagine both Tai’s teen and adult versions doing whatever they can to protect Van, just like how teen Tai saves her from being killed during the wolf attack.
On her own, however, Van hasn’t shown that she’s exceptionally strong or smart. At best, she’ll become an average player who gets through the first few rounds, but like most side characters, will likely die before the finale.
Lottie Matthews
If Lottie’s scary demonic possessions and accurate visions can somehow make it into the Squid Game arena, she may have a unique advantage. Like Byeong-gi, she could predict what game is coming next with the added benefit of not having to harvest organs for it.
That said, Lottie’s visions and predictions on the show have always been vague and hard to decipher, so there’s no telling how useful they could actually be in the competition. She’s also often ridiculed by the other girls, which is a con in Squid Game, where being unlikable can turn someone into a target.
Laura Lee
Fans likely didn’t expect Laura Lee to be as resourceful, smart, and brave as she was in Yellowjackets. The way she learns how to fly a plane in just a few weeks from a single manual underscores how intelligent she is.
These traits and her perseverance will come in handy in Squid Game where strategic thinking is a must. She’ll likely be among the first to figure out how to lick the dalgona candy to carve the shape out. However, her religious nature and aversion to anything terrifying would be disadvantageous. She would likely also be against killing any player, which means it would be nearly impossible for her to make it through rounds that require it like the marbles game.
Travis Martinez
The two main things that could help Travis win the competition would be the fact that he’s a sharpshooter (although he isn’t as good as Nat) and that he’s strong. Fans may recall how despite being under the influence of shrooms, he’s able to fend off and run away from the girls who were attacking him.
Travis would be able to survive games like red light, green light, and tug-of-war. However, he lacks the cunning and intelligence to be able to strategize through the marbles round. The only way he would make it to the finale is if he teams up with Nat.
Shauna Sadecki
Fans know that Shauna is capable of horrific things, as she almost kills Travis in the woods and managers to murder Adam as an adult. She’s also smart and strategic, as she follows Jeff without him realizing and eventually figures out that he’s the blackmailer.
The thing that could hold Shauna back in the competition is her tendency to not think things through. She reacts based on her emotions and can be sentimental, too. This could be disastrous in rounds like the marble game and the titular squid game where she may not have the strength to kill her closest friends.
Taissa Turner
Although she may never admit it, Tai is the low-key leader of the group both in the wilderness and as adults in modern society. Just like how Gi-hun takes care of an injured Sae-byeok, Taissa would likely tend to Nat or Shauna’s wounds if she ever has to.
The fact that others look to her for support could be useful in the competition, as she can build a strong group that can win rounds like tug-of-war. Viewers know that she’s also just as capable on her own, but only if her sleepwalking episodes don’t get in the way.
Natalie Scatorccio
Natalie is a likable character on the show because of how badass she can be. Her sharpshooting skills and stomach for violence will be useful in the competition. She’s also incredibly smart and manipulative, which is emphasized by the way she collects clues about Travis’ murder.
There’s no telling how Nat’s self-destructive behavior could help or hurt her in Squid Game, though. She may not be as scared of death and violence as the other competitors, but she could also be too nonchalant about surviving that she may walk right into her own demise. If Travis is in the competition with her, there’s a good chance the two of them could make it to the end.
Misty Quigley
There’s no question that Misty would win in Squid Game – in fact, she’d probably be the first to volunteer to join. She’s cutthroat, ruthless, smart, and surprisingly strong. Even as a teen, Misty has shown how capable she is thanks to her survival skills. As an adult, Misty’s more vengeful and brutal side is highlighted in the care home.
On top of all of these factors, Misty would be more motivated than anyone else to prove that she’s the best. As an outcast, she’s desperate for acceptance and attention, and what better way to do that than to show that she’s not the loser everyone thinks she is? There’s no doubt that Misty Quigley would breeze through every round and win the entire contest with her signature creepy smile.