As "Lioness" prepares for its third season on Paramount+, star Zoe Saldaña is pushing back against criticisms of creator Taylor Sheridan's ability to write female characters, asserting that he "really sees women." Saldaña, who reprises her role as CIA operator Joe, lauded Sheridan's skill in crafting complex, wholesome women who, while not perfect, are relatable.
"I love the fact that there is an accurate depiction of Joe. A woman that, in front of her team, she never breaks and she’s able to carry so much responsibility on her shoulders. And yet, when she’s in her private quarters, you see this human being grapple with just having to make everything work," Saldaña said during a recent appearance on CBS Mornings.
Saldaña's comments address a criticism some have leveled against Sheridan, suggesting his female characters lack depth. She countered this by pointing to "Lioness," a show focused on women in covert CIA and military operations, as evidence of Sheridan's nuanced approach. She also referenced Beth from "Yellowstone" as another example of a strong female character written by Sheridan.
The actress highlighted her fortune in working with "creative men that do that" – men who understand and accurately depict women. She specifically praised Sheridan for writing great, complex women who reflect the imperfect nature of human beings.
The discussion around Sheridan's writing of female characters has also been fueled by past projects. Some have cited Emily Blunt's character in "Sicario" as an example of Sheridan's perceived shortcomings, but Saldaña and others argue this interpretation misses the point of the film, where the character's lack of understanding of the operation was central to the plot.
"Lioness" season three is set to premiere on Paramount+ this Sunday. The show delves into the world of black operations within the CIA and military, with a particular focus on the women serving in these clandestine roles.