Zoe Saldaña Praises “Lioness” Creator Taylor Sheridan Writing ‘Gender-Fluid’ Characters Who Could Be Played by Anyone

Zoe Saldaña has expressed her admiration for Taylor Sheridan, creator of the hit series *Lioness*, during the premiere of its third season in New York City. The actress commended Sheridan for the intricate characters he has crafted, noting their complexity and potential to resonate irrespective of gender.

At the event held on 29 July, Saldaña, who plays the character Joe in the series, praised Sheridan for his inclusive storytelling approach. “These are incredible complex individuals,” she stated. Saldaña believes that the depth of the characters allows actors to fully immerse themselves, regardless of gender. She remarked, “Any actor who challenges themselves can rise to that occasion,” highlighting the opportunities presented by Sheridan’s writing.

Saldaña emphasised the fluidity of gender in the roles, asserting that the characters could easily have been portrayed as the opposite sex. She pointed out that Joe could well be a man, just as Kaitlyn Meade and others in the series could have different gender representations. “When you write something so incredible that it kind of defies gender and race, it’s just about the merit of that human being,” she explained. This approach, she believes, opens the door for a more diverse range of actors to step into these roles.

The *Lioness* star also expressed her respect for male writers who can effectively portray female characters. “I have a great deal of respect for men that really know how to write women, and I think Taylor gives himself enough credit,” she added. Saldaña concluded her thoughts by expressing pride in taking on a role crafted by Sheridan for three seasons.

Jill Wagner, who portrays Bobby in the series, also spoke highly of Sheridan, describing him as one of the most influential figures in any room. “He is a force, and I do think he puts a little bit of himself in each one of these characters,” said Wagner. Her observation speaks to Sheridan’s ability to create multidimensional characters that feel authentic and relatable.

In a light-hearted moment, Saldaña joked about Sheridan’s tendency to embed personal traits into his narratives. “Oh great, so he writes himself? Here I am thinking he writes great women!” she quipped, showcasing the camaraderie and warmth shared among the cast.

The latest season of *Lioness*, which features notable talents such as Morgan Freeman, Genesis Rodriguez, and Michael Kelly, will see Joe grappling with hidden adversaries who intrude into her personal life. A synopsis reveals that the storyline confronts her with a war that permeates every aspect of her existence.

Reflecting on her experience with the show, Saldaña disclosed that she had discussions with Sheridan about the series direction ahead of filming. “I really am so happy and proud of the direction that he eventually took,” she noted. Her candidness about the challenges of the role suggested that this season would delve into significant emotional territory as well as action.

The actress conveyed that *Lioness* achieves a distinctive balance between intense action and emotional depth. “I don’t think I would be able to be a part of a show that would only be action without having these intersectional relationships with these incredibly complex women,” she remarked, underscoring the narrative’s richness.

As anticipation builds for the new season, which is set to premiere on Paramount+ on 2 August, fans and critics alike are eager to see how the intricate character dynamics unfold and how Saldaña’s portrayal of Joe further develops. The series promises to deliver not only action-packed scenes but also poignant moments that highlight the personal struggles faced by its characters.