Zoe Saldaña has ruled out joining another Taylor Sheridan series.
The “Lioness” star, 48, said in a new interview that her all-consuming role as CIA operative Joe McNamara leaves no room for expanding into the prolific creator’s broader television universe. “I think that Joe McNamara and ‘Lioness’ is all that I can handle at this time,” she said. “I can’t imagine me taking on more of a Taylor Sheridan world.”
Saldaña’s hesitation stems from the sheer workload of headlining the Paramount+ spy thriller while also serving as an executive producer. “I’m number one on the call sheet. I am first one in, last one out,” she explained. “I am prepping months before anybody ever is able to prep. So it’s already a lot of work for me.”
Despite the grind, Saldaña expressed deep appreciation for her collaboration with Sheridan, 56. She credited the “Yellowstone” creator with recognizing her professional mettle, noting that he values how “honest,” “tough as nails” and “vocal and opinionated” she remains throughout production.
“I have my views, and I come with all heart, all brains, all muscle at all times,” she said. “So, no, I think I’m good here at ‘Lioness.'”
The actress’s comments come as the future of “Lioness” itself hangs in the balance. Following the Season 3 finale’s revelation that Aaliyah Amrohi (Stephanie Nur) orchestrated Joe’s abduction, Saldaña admitted uncertainty about whether the narrative can sustain another chapter. “I don’t know if we’re able to go to a season 4,” she said. “I don’t know where he would take it.”
This ambivalence marks a shift from her earlier reflections on the season’s demanding production. Saldaña previously said that the third installment pushed her to her limits. “It was very demanding, I’m not gonna lie,” she said. “And I didn’t even know if I was gonna be able to pull it off.”
The eventual direction won her over. After “various conversations” with Sheridan about Joe’s trajectory, Saldaña said she’s “so happy and proud of the direction that [Sheridan] eventually took.”
Her co-stars have offered their own windows into Sheridan’s unconventional methods. Jill Wagner, who plays QRF leader Bobby, revealed earlier this month that the director once compelled her to relearn a scene using her non-dominant hand with only minutes before cameras rolled. “He forces you to run into the fire,” she said.
Laysla De Oliveira, who portrays operative Cruz Manuelos, echoed the need for constant adaptability. “You have to have your head on a swivel and be able to do that,” she said of Sheridan’s on-set adjustments, though she clarified that he does not alter scripts at the last minute.
The ensemble cast also includes Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Kelly, and Dave Annable.
“Lioness” is streaming on Paramount+.