Zoe Saldaña stars in the third season of Paramount+’s action series “Lioness,” confronting intense physical expectations and critical backlash by significantly ramping up her workout regimen. According to USA TODAY, the 48-year-old actress plays CIA operative Joe McNamara, taking on heavy combat sequences and demanding physical scenes that test her endurance on the front lines.
Zoe Saldaña Responds to Physical Criticisms in “Lioness” Season 3
Saldaña addressed persistent questions from viewers and critics regarding whether her petite frame could authentically handle the intense operational duties required of her character. Rather than scaling back, the 5-foot-6 actress used the skepticism as motivation.
“It’s very typical to think that a woman with a petite frame cannot be strong or capable,” Saldaña told USA TODAY, adding that she has continuously faced backlash over whether Joe could execute certain action scenes. “The criticism almost feeds me. It challenges me to prove people wrong.”
To prepare for the demanding shoot, Saldaña increased her physical training immediately after winning the Academy Award for best supporting actress in “Emilia Pérez” in March 2025. Series creator Taylor Sheridan contacted her two months prior to filming in Texas, specifying that he wanted Joe to look like a “machine” as the elite CIA team confronts a Russian target and navigates frontline combat in Ukraine.
Intense Training Regimen and Working with Taylor Sheridan
Maintaining fitness required discipline during a family summer vacation in Italy with her husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, and their three sons: twins Cy and Bowie, 10, and Zen, 8. Saldaña hired a private trainer to monitor her nutrition and build muscle while abroad.
“Italy can be a very tempting country to spend a summer,” Saldaña noted. “I needed a trainer who watched my nutrition and helped me build strength.”
On set, Saldaña worked alongside Sheridan, who portrays veteran operative Sgt. Maj. Cody Spears in the series. She described Sheridan as an intimidating figure who sets a serious tone, though she noted he stepped back to let episode director Michael Friedman manage the set.
“He didn’t walk on set directing; Sheridan followed Michael’s directions respectfully and honorably,” Saldaña said. “Shooting this was rough and rustic and intimidating, but everyone brought the A-game.”
Did You Know? Zoe Saldaña underwent pre-filming refresher courses on handguns and semi-automatics alongside weight training to ensure authenticity on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does “Lioness” Season 3 premiere?
Season 3 of “Lioness” is currently streaming on Paramount+.
Who stars alongside Zoe Saldaña in “Lioness”?
The series stars Zoe Saldaña alongside Nicole Kidman, who plays director Kaitlyn Meade, as well as Laysla De Oliveira, James Jordan, and series creator Taylor Sheridan.
How did Zoe Saldaña prepare for her role as Joe McNamara?
Saldaña hired a private trainer to focus on weight training and nutrition, and completed tactical firearm training involving handguns and semi-automatics to authentically portray a CIA operative.
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