An Interview with Steven Krueger: From "Yellowjackets" to New Horizons

Steven Krueger is no stranger to captivating audiences with his compelling portrayals, but his role as Ben Scott in Yellowjackets has thrust him into the spotlight like never before. As the critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated series enters its highly anticipated third season, Steven’s portrayal of Coach Ben is already garnering awards buzz. With critics calling him a “scene stealer,” and a “true standout,” it looks like a possible Emmy nomination could be on the horizon. Beyond his breakout role, Steven has been taking on new creative challenges, from directing and executive producing his short film Leaving the Light to globetrotting across Nova Scotia, Africa, and beyond. With a love for adventure and giving back, from long-trek backpacking to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Steven’s dedication to both his craft and the world around him makes him a force to be reckoned with. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living Magazine, Steven opens up about his exciting career, upcoming projects, and the journey ahead.

Miami Living (ML): Steven, it’s such a pleasure to have you with us today!  You started your acting journey a bit unexpectedly, with your mom encouraging you to try acting class in high school. How did that initial exposure shape your passion for acting, and did you ever imagine it would end up leading to a career?

Steven: I didn't even think a career in acting was a possibility.  At the time it was just a fun hobby.  I mean who actually pursues acting as a real career??  But something definitely sparked inside me the first time I stepped on a stage in high school.  And I guess my heart knew better than my head in the end.

ML: With Season 3 of Yellowjackets in full swing, how has your approach to playing Coach Ben Scott evolved this season, and what can fans expect from him in the episodes ahead?

Steven: This is the most physically demanding season of the show for me.  There's a lot of intense action and Ben is in a very diminished physical state.  We've been out in the wilderness for about a year at this point and at the beginning of Season 3, we find Ben on his own, doing his best to survive.  Once he's finally reunited with the girls, things take some pretty dark turns.

ML: The buzz around Yellowjackets is palpable.  As the show’s popularity continues to grow, what has been the most surprising or rewarding part of being part of such a groundbreaking series?

Steven: I think the most rewarding aspect of this show is that it's different.  It's new, it's novel, it's unique.  And I hope the strong reaction we've received, both from the audience and critics, demonstrates that there's an incredible appetite for this kind of storytelling.  We're in the midst of a phase in the entertainment industry where the economics of the business are trying to find an equilibrium.

And that's led to, in my view, an exceedingly strong aversion to risk.  But I personally think that's the wrong approach and I hope we start to find our way back to putting trust in creators rather than computers.  Data and algorithms are powerful tools and they can be advantageous when used in the right way.  But one thing they can never truly tell you is what people want next.  They can only tell you what an audience has liked in the past.  But writers are intuitive.  They're human.  If you let them, they will create authentic, interesting stories that viewers will engage with because genuine human expression and connection are something we all need a little bit more of right now.  Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

ML: You recently embarked on a directorial debut with the short film Leaving the Light.  How was the transition from being in front of the camera to behind it? And what’s something about directing that surprised you?

Steven: It has been one of the most challenging things I've done in my career.  And I've loved every minute of it.  Well, almost every minute.  More than anything it gave me such a greater appreciation for just how difficult it is to make ANYTHING.  It takes so many dedicated, talented professionals all doing so many individual and separate things.  My biggest eye opener has been the post-production process.  I wish actors had more opportunities to witness first hand just how much effort, creativity, and time goes into making the final product after our jobs are done.  Those are some of the most talented and creative people on any project.

ML: You’ve had such an interesting career journey so far, from The CW's hit spin-off series The Originals, to Yellowjackets, to now directing your own short film. If someone had told you years ago that this would be your path, what do you think you’d have said?

Steven: I probably would have asked if it was everything it was cracked up to be?  And then I would have asked where my vacation house is.  Spoiler: I don't have a vacation house.  Yet.  But in all seriousness, I feel lucky to be in the middle of my career and still be enjoying the work I do so much.  That's a rarity regardless of what industry you're in.  It's special.

ML: You’ve worked with some incredible talent in your career so far. If you could collaborate with any director or actor in the world next, who would you choose and why?

Steven: My lifelong dream is to do something with Meryl Streep so I need to get moving before she retires.  And if Damien Chazelle wanted to direct that something, then I'd actually think I'd died and gone to heaven.

ML: We’ve heard you’re quite the avid globetrotter —what’s a spot on your bucket list that you haven’t been to yet but can’t wait to check off soon?

Steven: Funny you should ask.  Japan has been at or near the top of my list for years now.  And I'm going in April for cherry blossom season.  So another checked box is imminent.  

ML: As someone who's constantly pushing creative boundaries and exploring new passions, what’s next for you? Is there a dream project or goal you’re excited to pursue in the near future? 

Steven: I really want to continue to lean into projects that are pushing boundaries.  And to play characters that force me to truly create from the ground up.  I've always found that my best work seems to come when I'm out of my comfort zone or in unfamiliar territory.  So that's what I'll be searching for as I move into this next phase of my acting career.  And of course I'm very excited to hopefully have an opportunity to direct professionally as well!

Image Credits

Photographer: Storm Santos 

Styling: Douglas Vanlaningham 

Grooming: Kimberly Bragalone

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Storm Santos