Zoe Saldaña, the star of the Paramount+ series 'Lioness', has made it clear that she's not ready to take on another Taylor Sheridan project anytime soon. In an interview with People, Saldaña, who also serves as an executive producer on 'Lioness', expressed her reluctance to join multiple Sheridan-created shows, citing the demanding nature of the work and her dedication to the role of Joe McNamara. She stated, 'I think that Joe McNamara and 'Lioness' is all that I can handle at this time.'
Saldaña's commitment to the role goes beyond the physical demands of portraying a CIA operative. Sheridan's preference for practical sets and effects on shows like 'Yellowstone', 'Landman', and 'Lioness' adds to the challenging nature of the production. She mentioned, 'I can't imagine me taking on more of a Taylor Sheridan world.'
The role's physical demands were further tested in Season 3, where Saldaña had to bulk up for a storyline involving Joe's abduction and torture. She shared with Entertainment Weekly, 'I didn't even know if I was gonna be able to pull it off.' This highlights the intense preparation and dedication required for the role.
Saldaña has also faced skepticism about her ability to convincingly portray Joe's combat scenes. However, she remains unfazed by those who underestimate her physical capabilities. She told USA Today, 'It's very typical to think that a woman with a petite frame cannot be strong or capable.' She emphasized her athletic background, stating, 'I've always faced this backlash — like people cannot believe Joe could do many of her scenes. And yet I've always been this athletic actress, constantly training, even when I was pregnant with my children.'
The future of 'Lioness' beyond Season 3 is uncertain, as Paramount+ has yet to renew the series for a fourth season. Regardless of what comes next, Saldaña has made it clear that 'Lioness' is the only Sheridan series she wants to take on for now, showcasing her dedication to the project and her reluctance to spread herself too thin.
