Ian Bohen, known for his role as Ryan in Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone,” is exploring a new, darker character as Grady in the third season of Sheridan’s Paramount+ series “Lioness.” Bohen described Grady, a Delta Force operator, as “an object moving through the ether that doesn’t care about anything,” a stark contrast to the “warmth” he found easy to channel in his “Yellowstone” character.
“That was tricky for me to explore,” Bohen stated, referring to Grady’s inherent darkness. “To have to do those kinds of things without a second thought was difficult because my instinct is to try and connect with people. I had to figure out how to disconnect from them while holding a firearm.”
The latest season of “Lioness” features a significant battle sequence set in a fictionalized Ukrainian war zone. Bohen noted that the production aimed to depict the modern-day Ukrainian battlefield, a setting previously only discussed in news reports. A substantial portion of the premiere episode is dedicated to a mission involving the Delta Force team’s attempt to capture a Russian intelligence officer. Bohen revealed that this single segment alone required 15 shooting days, highlighting the intricate orchestration involved in coordinating numerous elements, including personnel, drones, explosions, animals, and safety protocols.
Bohen reunited with Sheridan on set, who also appears in “Lioness” as Delta Force leader Cody Spears. Bohen shared that having the creator and director present on set as an actor facilitated open communication about scene dynamics. "It’s a lot of fun to have the boss right next to you on set," Bohen said. "You’re able to talk to each other and determine what’s working and what’s not within the scene." He emphasized that Sheridan, when in front of the camera, acts “very much like any other actor,” driven by a desire to perform well, and that there is no perceived hierarchy on set.
Beyond his collaboration with Sheridan, Bohen also reunited with his “Teen Wolf” co-star Jill Wagner, who plays Bobby in “Lioness.” Bohen recalled their past on-screen antagonism in “Teen Wolf,” where his werewolf character killed Wagner’s character. He expressed his affection for Wagner and her family, hoping for continued collaboration on the series.
Bohen also detailed his preparation for Grady's role as a K9 handler. He spent six to eight weeks prior to shooting working with dogs, undergoing training to handle them effectively. He described the experience as special and expressed pride in the team that trained both him and the animals for the demanding sequences.
Discussing a particularly challenging scene in Episode 3 where Grady and his colleague hold a mother and sister hostage, Bohen explained his interpretation of Grady’s willingness to go to extremes under command. He viewed their actions as those of CIA black ops, where conventional rules are suspended, and the mission objective supersedes moral qualms. Bohen admitted grappling with this aspect of the character, ultimately deciding that Grady would follow orders despite personal reservations, acting as a foil to his more unhesitating partner.
Bohen's journey from the likable, easy-going Ryan in “Yellowstone” to the detached, mission-focused Grady in “Lioness” represents a significant shift in character portrayal, demanding a departure from his usual approach to connecting with fellow actors on screen.