Zoe Saldaña is giving credit to the writing behind Lioness for helping create female characters that feel authentic, multidimensional, and free from traditional stereotypes.
During the New York premiere for the series’ third season, Saldaña praised creator Taylor Sheridan for developing characters whose identities are driven by personality, conviction, and experience instead of gender. She said many of the show’s leading roles could easily be portrayed by actors of any gender because they are written as complete individuals rather than as gender-specific archetypes.
Saldaña, who stars as CIA operative Joe McNamara, said she values playing a character with emotional depth, leadership qualities, and personal flaws. She noted that the opportunity to portray a woman with that level of complexity has made the role especially meaningful.
Fellow cast member Jill Wagner also applauded Sheridan’s approach to storytelling, saying that elements of the writer’s own personality can be found throughout the show’s characters. Saldaña responded with a laugh, joking that Sheridan must have written himself into several of the female roles as well.
Their comments underscore one of the themes that has helped distinguish Lioness from many action dramas: a focus on characters whose strengths, vulnerabilities, and decisions take center stage regardless of gender.
The discussion comes ahead of the debut of Lioness Season 3, which continues the espionage drama’s blend of high-stakes missions and character-driven storytelling.
