'Teen Wolf' star Shelley Hennig: Stiles, Malia won't say 'I love you'
The last time we were in Beacon Hills, a lot happened. Scott became a True Alpha, Peter was locked in Eichen House, Chris joined the Calaveras on the hunt for Kate, Derek became a full wolf, Kira got her first tail, and Braeden let it slip that she has some history with the Desert Wolf (also known as Malia’s mother). So when we pick back up with Teen Wolf‘s fifth season, what will things look like?
“It feels like everybody finished their year of school and then had a summer and now they’re back at school,” Shelley Hennig said. More specifically, they’re back for their senior year. That is, if Malia makes it there. Between struggling with her school work and having an evil father now locked up, Malia might not be as strong as she seems.
“As tough as nails as Malia can be, she’s also a teenager. Maybe [she’s] not as emotional as the other pubescent teenagers, but she’s still half human,” Hennig said. “I’m sure it’s a very confusing situation for her but I think she’s really good at compartmentalizing. And as an actor, I like to play her with a bigger intention in life, and I’m kind of playing around with like, what does Malia really want for her future? Does she want to be a part of certain people’s lives? Does she want to move on and find her own people? Does she want to be with the pack the rest of her life? I like to play around with future ideas. Hopefully Malia makes it to senior year because she’s had a rough go but she’s working really hard and I think that says a lot about what she wants in the future. I think she wants a good life.”
But that’s not to say that Malia is 100 percent good. After all, she does have Peter’s blood running through her veins. “She’s got bad blood in her and I think that’ll always be a part of her,” Hennig said. “So maybe her loyalty will be tested. I don’t know.”
As for what else is next, Hennig promised some exploration into the Desert Wolf storyline, as well as a potential look into what it means for Scott to now be a True Alpha.
“I’d imagine that there’s gotta be some sort of cause and effect of Scott becoming a True Alpha,” she said. “I just don’t know if that’s going to affect the pack, if that’s going to affect the neighborhood, the city, the other packs. I think that’s one of the most exciting things, and I personally can’t wait to read what that’s going to do to the show.”
And in regards to the Desert Wolf, Hennig expects Stiles isn’t ready to let the case go just yet. “I’m sure Stiles, being as motivated as he is and as much as he loves Malia, I’m sure this is something that he’s still trying to piece together.” And yet, she doesn’t see the couple saying the “L” word anytime soon.
“I don’t think Stiles and Malia are the type to say ‘I love you,’ to have that sweet teen moment. I don’t think that is a very Stiles and Malia thing. I think it’d be more like, ‘I hate you,’ but meaning, ‘I love you,'” Hennig said. “Malia’s a little more aggressive, and I don’t think she likes to show her vulnerability and I don’t think it actually comes very easy to her.”
But fear not, Stalia shippers. That doesn’t mean tough times are ahead for your favorite couple. Hennig continued, “She definitely knows what she wants as far as her mate goes and she is all for Stiles. But I don’t think there will be that sweet teenage moment of like, ‘I love you.’ Maybe from Stiles, but definitely not from Malia. But the love is there. I like that; it’s a nontraditional relationship. It makes a lot of sense to me, Shelley. That’s more me—I’m not the gushy, lovey type.”
Speaking of Stiles and “love,” Hennig said she’d like to get more scenes with Stiles’ ex-love, Lydia, this season. “I think they have a funny dynamic because she’s pretty put together if you think about it,” Hennig said. “Of course, we’re all kind of insane but she’s the complete opposite of Malia—the way that they look, the way that they dress, their mannerisms. She’s a lot more ladylike and I think there could be some funny interactions between Malia and Lydia. And the fact that Malia’s now with Lydia’s ‘ex-boyfriend,’ I think there’s room for some comedy there and that would be interesting, for sure.”
In general, season 5 will be one of numerous mysteries, including Parrish’s unraveling supernatural identity. Hennig summed up season 5: “It’s going to be really adventurous. There’s a lot of searching for answers in this new season. Looks like there’s going to be a lot of detecting. True Teen Detective. That’s what season 5 is.”
Teen Wolf season 5 returns to MTV in June.