Zoe Saldaña Reveals the Voice Memos She and Nicole Kidman Send to Taylor Sheridan on “Lioness” Set

**Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman Open Up About Their Roles in the CIA Thriller “Lioness”**

Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman are at the forefront of “Lioness,” a gripping CIA drama produced for Paramount+. The series, created by acclaimed screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, follows the intricate lives of CIA operatives, specifically focusing on Saldaña’s character, Joe, and Kidman’s role as her superior, Kaitlyn. The actresses have recently shared insights into their on-set experiences, revealing a collaborative relationship with Sheridan that underpins their performances.

During a recent event at Paramount+’s “The Icons of Taylor Sheridan’s Universe,” Saldaña, 48, highlighted the extensive preparation that goes into their performances. She mentioned that both actresses often discuss the material before they even step onto the set, ensuring they fully grasp the nuances of the storyline and their characters. “We leave these messages, sometimes voice messages, to each other,” she remarked, emphasising their commitment to the role. They can frequently be found communicating directly with Sheridan in their makeup trailers, expressing their confusion over scenes and plot points.

Kidman, 59, echoed Saldaña’s sentiments, revealing that they regularly seek the insights of Sheridan, 56, whenever they find themselves at an impasse with the material. She shared a light-hearted example of their communication with him: “Hi, Taylor. For the 20th time, sending you a text… Call us. We need you.” This illustrates the open and dynamic dialogue the actresses share with the creator of the series, showcasing a deep commitment to ensuring authenticity in their portrayal of the complex characters within the world of espionage.

The critical relevance of “Lioness” to current global events serves as a driving force for Kidman’s portrayal of Kaitlyn. “It’s like, wow, it’s so topical,” she stated. “You’re constantly treading in these minefields, and you’ve got to keep up — really keep up.” Kidman highlighted the challenge of navigating the intricate political and emotional landscape that the storyline presents, which demands constant attention and understanding from the cast.

Saldaña’s character, Joe, is depicted as a woman shaped by her past, imbued with a sense of responsibility from a young age. “She convinces herself that as long as she can do everything, she’ll be okay,” Saldaña explained, adding that the character’s struggles resonate deeply with audiences. “It makes you question whether or not that’s bad, if you can’t do it all,” she reflected, underlining the complexities of the role.

The collaboration between the actresses and Sheridan goes beyond script discussions; Kidman referred to him as “an incredible acting coach.” With a brief conversation, Sheridan can provide profound insights that shape the actresses’ performances. “You can have one call with him, and he’ll give you four words of how to play the scene,” she noted, highlighting the invaluable contribution he makes to the production.

The technical language inherent in the dialogues in “Lioness” also adds a layer of complexity to their performances, as Kidman noted the importance of articulating each line with clarity. “We have to understand every single thing we’re saying. It has to come trippingly off your tongue,” she asserted. This requirement puts pressure on the cast to deliver their lines in a way that sounds natural, despite the unfamiliarity of the language they are using.

Kidman likened working on “Lioness” to undertaking a rigorous academic endeavour, stating, “It’s been incredibly exciting; it’s like suddenly doing a thesis in the CIA.” This analogy reflects both the intensity and depth of the work they engage in, demonstrating the seriousness with which they approach their roles.

As season three of “Lioness” continues to unfold, audiences can expect new episodes every Sunday on Paramount+. The show promises to maintain its relevance and intensity, with each instalment drawing viewers deeper into the lives of its characters. With the powerful performances of Saldaña and Kidman, combined with Sheridan’s masterful storytelling, “Lioness” remains a compelling exploration of life within the CIA, resonating with both its immediate audience and broader societal issues.