Actor Zoe Saldana has officially ruled out joining creator Taylor Sheridan on any additional television projects outside of her current starring role in the Paramount+ spy series Lioness. Speaking in a recent interview, the star cited the intense physical and creative workload required to anchor the espionage drama as the primary reason for keeping her focus locked on her current character.
Saldana portrays CIA operative Joe McNamara and also serves as an executive producer on the show. Balancing heavy responsibilities both on-screen and behind the scenes makes taking on extra television commitments unmanageable for her at this time.
“I think that Joe McNamara and Lioness is all that I can handle at this time,” Saldana told People magazine in an interview published Sunday. She detailed the heavy demands of her daily schedule, explaining that she is the first person on the call sheet. “I am first one in, last one out. I am prepping months before anybody ever is able to prep,” she added.
A Demanding Role in a Expanding Universe
Sheridan’s expanding television empire is well-known for crossing actors over between different hit series. Cast members like Michael Kelly, James Jordan, and Ian Bohen have frequently moved between popular shows such as Yellowstone, Landman, and Lioness. However, Saldana’s heavy commitment to her own corner of the universe leaves little room for such transitions.
Despite ruling out new shows, Saldana maintains a positive working relationship with Sheridan. She expressed gratitude that he views her as dependable, comparing her real-life dedication to the resilience of Joe McNamara. She noted that Sheridan recognizes her as straightforward, tough, and fiercely opinionated.
“I have my views, and I come with all heart, all brains, all muscle at all times,” Saldana said. “So, no, I think I’m good here at Lioness.”
Looking Ahead to Season 4
The third season of Lioness brought fresh challenges for Saldana’s character, pushing Joe from directing operations to becoming a targeted abductee facing direct vulnerability. While Season 3 ran from August 2 through September 20, a fourth season has not yet received official confirmation from Paramount+.
Saldana admitted she remains uncertain whether the series will return for another chapter or what path Sheridan might plot for Joe next. For now, the actor is content staying put and safeguarding her energy rather than expanding into other corners of the network’s growing lineup.
