The cast of the Paramount+ series "Lioness" undergoes an extensive month-long boot camp to achieve authenticity in portraying military and CIA operations, according to star Jill Wagner.
Wagner, who plays Bobby in the drama created by Taylor Sheridan, shared details about the training in a recent appearance on "The Gold Shields Show." The boot camp is designed to ensure that the cast's movements and weapons handling are as accurate as possible.
"We train for a month prior. He puts you through basically a boot camp and we have our whether it be a SEAL or Green Beret or Delta Guy, whatever, they come out and they help us and they really work with us," Wagner said. She described the instructors as "extremely patient people," acknowledging that actors are not actual operators but strive to portray them realistically.
The training extends beyond initial preparation, as firearms handling is a perishable skill. Technical advisors are present on set at all times during filming to review choreography and answer questions. Wagner emphasized that this level of daily oversight is crucial and not always present in other productions.
"And that's just for the technical side of things. That's just for the gun side of things. And then as you know, I'm sure you guys know, it's a perishable skill. So if you're not shooting every day, if you're not doing something, you can forget and you can pick up bad habits," Wagner explained. "So, our technical advisors, there was at least one on set at all times, if not two, and we would go over all of our choreography and, you know, wear those guys out with questions."
Beyond the technical aspects, Wagner also underwent a physical transformation to embody an elite operator. The dedication to realism aims to make the show's action sequences believable, a goal that the series is noted for accomplishing.
"Lioness" is currently airing its third season on Paramount+, with the first three episodes already released. The series has been praised for its action scenes and high stakes, with the latest season reportedly escalating the drama.