Zoe Saldaña Says She’s Not Ready to Join Another Taylor Sheridan Show for This Reason (Exclusive)

**Zoe Saldaña Reflects on Her Role in Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Lioness’ and Future Prospects**

Zoe Saldaña, the star of the Paramount+ series ‘Lioness’, is navigating a demanding yet rewarding professional landscape as she steps into the shoes of CIA operative Joe McNamara. Recently speaking to PEOPLE, the 48-year-old actress shared her insights about the challenges of her role and the creative universe crafted by Taylor Sheridan, the show’s writer and producer.

Saldaña, who also serves as an executive producer on ‘Lioness’, indicated that her commitment to the series leaves little room to explore other projects within Sheridan’s expansive network. “I think that Joe McNamara and ‘Lioness’ is all that I can handle at this time,” she remarked, emphasising the extensive preparation work involved in embodying her character. Being “number one on the call sheet” means that she is often the first to arrive on set and the last to leave, underscoring the dedication she pours into her performance.

Describing her preparation, Saldaña explained that bringing Joe to life is a cumbersome process that begins well in advance of filming. She stated, “I am prepping months before anybody ever is able to prep. So it’s already a lot of work for me.” Her commitment reflects her desire to provide a deep and nuanced interpretation of her character, a sentiment shared by Sheridan, who appreciates her reliability and candidness.

While Saldaña is content with her current role, her co-star Michael Kelly, who portrays CIA Deputy Director Byron Westfield, has been announced to join the cast of Sheridan’s other series, ‘Landman’. Though supportive of his new venture, Saldaña playfully cautioned, “Michael can’t be going there and doing more work,” should ‘Lioness’ receive a renewal for a fourth season. She added that Kelly is indispensable in his portrayal of Byron, highlighting her admiration for his talent.

As for a potential continuation of the series, the actress expressed uncertainty, particularly about what a fourth season might entail for Joe McNamara. Season three took a notable turn, positioning her character as a target rather than the usual puppet master. Saldaña explained, “Joe was the victim… she was the one that had to get herself out,” hinting at a transformative journey this season.

In her interpretation, Joe has taken on a new persona, almost embodying the ‘Lioness’ in a storyline that forced her to confront vulnerability in a way she had not done previously. “She was the target, and she was also the Lioness,” Saldaña stated, indicating that this shift presented significant challenges for her character and ultimately contributed to her development.

Despite her uncertainty about the future of the series, Saldaña conveyed both pride and satisfaction regarding the trajectory of Joe’s character. In prior interviews, she highlighted the demanding nature of her role and noted that discussing her storyline with Sheridan had left her feeling both excited and proud of the depth it brings.

Additionally, Saldaña has lauded Sheridan’s ability to create complex characters that transcend traditional gender roles. She asserted that many of the roles in ‘Lioness’, including her own, could have easily been portrayed by male actors. “When you write something so incredible that it kind of defies gender and race… you give yourself the opportunity of a wider range of actors,” she explained, reinforcing her respect for storytelling that prioritises depth of character over superficial traits.

This respect extends to the collaborative atmosphere that Sheridan fosters on set. Saldaña previously remarked on his passion for the craft of acting and how it has influenced her experience while working alongside him. “I think it is his first love when it comes to the arts,” she reflected, expressing appreciation for the high expectations he sets for performers.

‘Lioness’, with its complex narrative and compelling characters, continues to stream on Paramount+, attracting viewers with its intricate storytelling and engaging performances. While Saldaña remains focused on her role in the series for the time being, her acknowledgment of Sheridan’s vision and dedication leaves audiences eager for what the future may hold—both for her character and for the series as a whole.