Jill Wagner, an executive producer and star of the Paramount+ series 'Lioness,' believes that creator Taylor Sheridan possesses a unique ability to handle the show's intricate subject matter with factual accuracy rather than opinion. Wagner, who developed the series with her husband, Major David Lemanowicz, based on the real all-female military unit Team Lioness, expressed her initial fear that the show could be trivialized.

"People have to understand that there are many female heroes in the world, and they’re not necessarily in Marvel movies," Wagner stated. "They’re out there sacrificing for our country, and they have really interesting stories to tell." She sought out Sheridan, an former acting coach, recognizing his affinity for the military and his skill in writing female characters.

Wagner highlighted the importance of telling the story from Station Chief Joe McNamara's perspective, portrayed by Zoe Saldaña, to illustrate the sacrifices made by women in service. "Taylor made the story far larger than anything I could have ever comprehended," Wagner remarked. She also plays Bobby, the team leader for the Lioness's QRF and McNamara's second-in-command.

Wagner described the on-set experience for the Season 3 premiere's harrowing battle sequence, which depicts Russia's war in Ukraine, as immersive. Sheridan prioritizes authenticity, creating realistic warzone environments rather than relying heavily on green screens. "It is so realistic on set. Clearly, we’re not getting real bullets fired at us, but there are helicopters, and there are explosions, and there are real drones," Wagner explained.

Reflecting on the dynamic between Bobby and Joe, Wagner noted that women in the military are typically guarded. "It’s not that kind of relationship," she said of their bond, "But they have an understanding of each other, and there is an unspoken trust there." The incident in the Season 3 premiere where Joe is incapacitated is expected to intensify Bobby's actions. "Bobby’s more activated than ever before," Wagner commented.

Wagner also shared an anecdote about Sheridan's writing process, where he initially conceived of his character, Cody, as Bobby's ex-husband. She praised Sheridan's dedication to his craft and his collaborative approach, emphasizing his fairness and loyalty to those he works with. "He lifts people up, and that’s really special."

New episodes of 'Lioness' are released Sundays at 3:01 a.m. ET on Paramount+.