Unraveling Scalia: Shelley Hennig on Scott & Malia’s Steamy Finale and What’s Next for Teen Wolf
The final curtain call for MTV’s beloved supernatural drama, Teen Wolf, brought with it a whirlwind of anticipation, emotional goodbyes, and, for many fans, the blossoming of an unexpected yet highly anticipated romance: Scalia. As the second half of Season 6 — often referred to as 6B — geared up for its premiere, one particular scene sent shockwaves through the fandom: a steamy shower moment between Scott McCall and Malia Tate. This fleeting glimpse from the trailer sparked an immediate frenzy, with fans worldwide dissecting every frame and speculating on the future of Beacon Hills’ new power couple. HollywoodLife.com had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Shelley Hennig, the talented actress behind the fierce Malia Tate, at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) to get the inside scoop on this pivotal scene, the evolution of Scalia, and Malia’s journey in the show’s swansong.
The Shower Scene That Broke the Internet: Shelley Hennig Spills the Details
Before the premiere of Teen Wolf Season 6B, the trailer ignited a passionate debate among viewers. The image of Scott and Malia sharing an intimate moment in the shower quickly became the most talked-about aspect, fueling the “Scalia” ship that many had secretly hoped for. When asked about filming this much-discussed scene with co-star Tyler Posey, Shelley Hennig offered a candid and amusing look behind the scenes, highlighting the practicalities and unexpected challenges involved in creating on-screen intimacy.
“It’s more about the technical stuff,” Shelley revealed to us. “Like, okay, how does that work?” She reflected on a previous experience filming a similar scene for the show Justified, which provided some prior insight. However, the *Teen Wolf* set presented its unique set of circumstances. “I kind of knew… but then I get in there and they’ve torn down the wall, so it’s sort of like this tub/shower but this wall is gone. So you feel very exposed. The other time I did a shower scene it was an actual shower, there was no missing wall.” This detail offers a fascinating peek into the often-unseen complexities of television production, where the illusion of privacy is carefully constructed, and sometimes, the environment itself can be a challenge for the actors.
Despite the technical hurdles and the feeling of exposure, Hennig emphasized the positive working relationship with Posey. “Anyway, we had a great time. He’s so professional and I’m not. We just, we love working together. It’s a fun scene. It’s sexy!” Her lighthearted comment about her own professionalism compared to Posey’s speaks volumes about the comfortable camaraderie shared between the two actors, which undoubtedly contributed to the scene’s authentic appeal. She also shared a humorous anecdote that further lightened the mood during filming: “His tattoo makeup kept rubbing off, and I’d be like rubbing his back and I’d have clumps of what I thought was skin and I’d be like, ‘Are you dying?!’ But it was just makeup.” This glimpse into the playful banter and minor mishaps on set reminds us that even the most intense on-screen moments often involve a touch of unexpected humor behind the cameras. The raw, genuine chemistry between Hennig and Posey, cultivated over years of working together, clearly translated into the passionate, yet natural, dynamic showcased in the shower scene, solidifying its place as a memorable moment in Teen Wolf lore.
The Slow Burn of Scalia: A Relationship Warranted
The relationship between Scott and Malia wasn’t an overnight phenomenon. Its foundations were meticulously laid throughout the later seasons, particularly after Malia’s breakup with Stiles Stilinski in Season 5A. While their connection initially stemmed from their shared experiences as members of Scott’s pack and their deep-seated friendship, astute viewers began to notice subtle shifts, lingering glances, and moments of heightened emotional intimacy that hinted at something more profound. These fleeting instances, often understated, built a gradual and organic bridge between friendship and romance, paving the way for the “Scalia” pairing that would eventually take center stage.
Shelley Hennig herself lauded the show’s creative team, especially creator Jeff Davis, for their careful cultivation of this relationship. “I think Jeff [Davis] did a great job showing that evolution,” she told us. Her endorsement underscores the intentionality behind Scalia, assuring fans that their connection wasn’t simply a last-minute plot device but a carefully considered progression. “I think it’s warranted. It happened slowly.” This “slow burn” approach allowed their bond to mature naturally, reflecting the complexities of real-world relationships where connections often deepen over time, moving beyond initial categorizations of friendship. For fans who had invested years in watching these characters grow and evolve, this deliberate pacing was crucial. It made the eventual romantic turn feel earned and authentic, rather than forced. Hennig’s confidence in the narrative justification behind Scalia also extended to the fan reaction: “I think the Scalia fans will be happy — if that is a thing.” This playful acknowledgement of the shipping culture demonstrates her awareness of the fervent discussions surrounding character pairings and her belief that those who championed Scott and Malia would find their patience rewarded.
The groundwork for their romantic involvement was subtly established through shared challenges, mutual support, and an unspoken understanding that transcended mere camaraderie. Both Scott and Malia, in their own ways, are survivors who have faced immense trauma and personal growth. Scott, the empathetic leader, and Malia, the fierce but vulnerable were-coyote, found solace and strength in each other. Their dynamic offered a refreshing contrast to Scott’s previous relationships and Malia’s past, presenting a mature and grounded connection that resonated deeply with a segment of the audience. The eventual confirmation of their romance felt like a natural progression for two characters who had consistently shown up for each other, evolving from packmates to something undeniably more significant.
Malia’s Departure and Her Dynamic with Lydia
As Teen Wolf barreled towards its series finale, the characters faced not only external threats but also crucial decisions about their individual futures beyond Beacon Hills. For Malia Tate, a character who had transformed immensely from a feral were-coyote to an integral member of the pack, the final season presented a strong desire for a new beginning. “She is trying to get the hell out of Beacon Hills,” Shelley Hennig revealed about Malia’s mindset in Season 6B. “She does not want to be there anymore. She is done.” This sentiment reflects a yearning for normalcy and a life free from the constant supernatural dangers that plagued their town. Malia’s journey has been one of adaptation and finding her place, and now, it seemed she was ready to forge her own path, potentially away from the chaos that defined her life for so long.
However, leaving Beacon Hills is never simple, especially when you’re part of such a tight-knit and interdependent group. This desire for escape creates a compelling dynamic, particularly with her closest female friend, Lydia Martin. Hennig highlighted the comedic relief that arises from this conflict: “But, there’s some funny scenes between Malia and Lydia where Lydia keeps telling her she needs to stay. It’s funny! We have some really comedic stuff for the beginning of the season.” The playful tension between Malia’s resolve to leave and Lydia’s insistence on her staying not only injects humor into the otherwise intense final season but also underscores the profound bonds formed within the pack. Lydia, the intellectual and often pragmatic banshee, understands the necessity of their collective strength, even if Malia’s instincts are pushing her towards individual freedom.
This push-and-pull between Malia and Lydia showcases the strength of their friendship, a bond built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a unique understanding of each other’s quirks. While Malia embodies a raw, instinctual approach, Lydia offers a more analytical and strategic perspective. Their contrasting personalities often lead to humorous exchanges, but ultimately, they complement each other, providing a balanced and endearing aspect to the show’s ensemble. The comedic elements promised by Hennig also suggest that even in the face of impending departures and series-ending stakes, Teen Wolf maintained its signature blend of supernatural drama, heartfelt relationships, and moments of genuine levity, reminding fans of the multifaceted nature of its beloved characters and their enduring connections.
The Enduring Bond with Peter Hale: A Father-Daughter Dynamic
One of the most complex and fascinating relationships in Teen Wolf has always been that between Malia Tate and her biological father, the ever-manipulative and morally ambiguous Peter Hale. After years of estrangement, animosity, and a slow, grudging acceptance, the father and daughter reached a fragile but more understanding place in the latter half of Season 6A. This development left fans wondering if this newfound equilibrium would continue into the final episodes, and Shelley Hennig offered an insightful perspective on their evolving, yet inherently volatile, dynamic.
“I think we’re going to see [development between Malia and Peter],” Shelley confirmed, hinting that their story arc was far from over. However, she quickly added a caveat that perfectly encapsulates the essence of both characters: “Peter will always be a loose cannon, but so is Malia. No wonder she’s his daughter!” This observation is particularly apt. Peter Hale, known for his cunning, self-preservation, and unpredictable nature, found his match in Malia, who, despite her growth and integration into Scott’s pack, retains a wild, untamed spirit. Her journey from a feral coyote to a compassionate yet fiercely independent young woman has been remarkable, but the vestiges of her wild upbringing and her inherited Hale temperament make her just as formidable and, at times, as unpredictable as her father.
The phrase “loose cannon” perfectly describes Peter’s propensity for chaos and his often-questionable methods, even when his intentions might align with the pack’s. By applying the same label to Malia, Hennig highlights a deep-seated connection that goes beyond mere biology. It speaks to a shared intensity, a willingness to bend rules, and a raw power that both characters possess. This recognition of their similar, often volatile, natures suggests that while their relationship might mature, it will never be entirely conventional or devoid of dramatic tension. Their bond is not about becoming “normal” but about understanding and accepting the unique, sometimes dangerous, qualities they share. The continuation of their development promised by Hennig ensures that this compelling, complicated father-daughter narrative would remain a significant thread in the tapestry of Teen Wolf‘s final season, adding layers of depth and intrigue as the show concluded its epic run.
The Legacy of Teen Wolf and Fan Connections
As Teen Wolf drew to a close with Season 6B, it marked the end of an era for many viewers who had grown up alongside Scott, Malia, Stiles, Lydia, and the rest of the Beacon Hills pack. The show’s enduring legacy lies not just in its engaging supernatural storylines but in its profound exploration of friendship, family, love, and identity. The final season, therefore, was not merely about concluding plotlines but about bringing satisfying emotional arcs to its beloved characters, ensuring that their journeys felt complete and meaningful.
The introduction of “Scalia” as a prominent romantic pairing in the final season was a testament to the show’s willingness to evolve and explore new dynamics, even in its eleventh hour. It challenged established fan expectations while simultaneously rewarding a segment of the audience who had long seen the potential between Scott and Malia. This ability to surprise and engage, while remaining true to the core tenets of its character development, is a hallmark of Teen Wolf‘s success. The discussions sparked by the shower scene, and the broader Scalia narrative, are a powerful reminder of how deeply invested fans become in the lives of fictional characters, turning every new development into a topic of passionate debate and shared excitement.
Ultimately, Shelley Hennig’s insights from SDCC offered a valuable glimpse into the creation of these pivotal moments, the thought process behind the character arcs, and the genuine camaraderie that existed among the cast. Her reflections on the technicalities of filming, the organic evolution of relationships, and the nuanced portrayal of complex family bonds provide a richer understanding of the final season’s intentions. As the credits rolled for the last time, fans were left not only with the memories of thrilling supernatural adventures but also with the enduring connections forged between characters, like Scott and Malia, who navigated the perils of adolescence and the supernatural world, often finding love in the most unexpected places. The conversations and enthusiasm surrounding these relationships continue to live on, a vibrant testament to Teen Wolf‘s lasting impact on its dedicated fanbase.
HollywoodLifers, what were your thoughts on Scalia and Malia’s journey in the final season? Did their romance feel earned, and what did you make of the iconic shower scene? Share your opinions and join the conversation!