Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldaña Dish on Taylor Sheridan’s Surprising ‘Lioness’ Season 2 Role

As a passionate follower and admirer of Taylor Sheridan’s work, I must say that his journey in the entertainment industry is truly inspiring. From the testimonials of his colleagues, it appears he is not just a talented creator but also an exceptional mentor.

[This story contains mild spoilers from the season two premiere of Lioness.]

Known for multitasking in various roles, Taylor Sheridan is involved as creator, writer, executive producer, director, or showrunner in numerous successful TV shows such as Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and Lioness, including the latter’s CIA drama on Paramount+. In the latest season two release on Sunday night, he added a new role to his resume – acting – by playing CIA operative Cody Spears, showcasing his impressive physique after removing his shirt, along with series lead Zoe Saldaña and their team, in an intense mission south of the border.

On numerous occasions, Sheridan has appeared in front of cameras, having initially made a name for himself as an actor, showcasing his talents in shows such as “Sons of Anarchy” and “Veronica Mars.” Later, he established himself as one of the busiest storytellers in Hollywood. Recently, at the season two premiere of “Lioness” held at Hollywood’s Linwood Dunn Theatre, stars like Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, and Dave Annable shared their experiences working with – and now, alongside – Sheridan on the action-packed series centered around special ops. The Hollywood Reporter inquired about this experience.

Zoe Saldaña

He’s deeply passionate in all the right aspects. He shows genuine care and commitment, so he always gives his best. This creates an engaging experience, which requires being well-prepared and ready to perform at your best, as he certainly does. It was a thrilling journey that I only partially anticipated, and the rest I had to adapt on the fly. As a leading actor himself, he focuses primarily on the actors’ roles. He crafts exceptional moments for each performer, which I truly value. Working alongside him was slightly nerve-wracking because it’s unclear if he’s acting as his character or directing as my superior.

He definitely tended to get really in character. We were shooting in Texas and it was really hot this past summer when we were shooting. We were sitting in this SUV and he pulled the windows up, cranked the heat up and we were looking at him like, ‘what is this Hunter S. Thompson situation here? What are you doing?’ But it really got us all glowy, glossy and sweaty. It was fun. There were fun moments, and then there were moments of a lot of intensity, because every scene we did together was intense. We were always sort of taking from that energy.”

Nicole Kidman

“Talk about a powerhouse. He is doing everything, and writing projects that are so good — he never stops. He’s bringing so much work to all of us and to the industry, and that’s incredible. It’s fantastic.”

Morgan Freeman

Working with Taylor Sheridan continues to be a constant source of pleasure. He’s a unique individual, truly remarkable. He’s like an energy source, simply incredible, and his talent seems to have no limits, reaching high above us. What amazes me is that he manages to do everything on his own, considering the amount of work involved.

Michael Kelly

I truly enjoy collaborating with Taylor Sheridan. His talent is exceptional, to say the least. I find it hard to think of anyone who’s simultaneously produced seven critically acclaimed shows and is working on multiple seasons at the same time – it’s mind-boggling. Not only does he act, but he also competes in rodeo horse-cutting events. frankly, I often struggle with simple tasks like doing the dishes and driving my son to baseball practice. He operates on a different plane of productivity. It’s inspiring to see him take on acting roles, especially in the new season of Lioness. His acting skills are top-notch, and he fits the role perfectly. It’s amazing.

Apart from appreciating our collaboration, I should mention that he didn’t direct me during season one, but took the helm in season two. What made our work together stand out was his insightful suggestions, or as I call them, ‘great notes’. The most impressive part was his clear vision – he always knew precisely what he wanted, which resulted in no unnecessary takes. In fact, he’d often interrupt a take midway through, saying something like, ‘I won’t need the remainder of that coverage.’ Scenes from the situation room could stretch to nine pages, making them challenging for an actor. Therefore, it was reassuring when he’d declare, ‘We got it’, as it showed his confidence in his vision and understanding of what he desired.

Dave Annable

“He’s an incredible leader and we were blessed to have him actually direct the first two episodes. The way he ran the set and the respect the crew has for him as well as the actors, I mean, he’s exactly the guy you want to be working for. He’s fiercely loyal, and he loves hard work and grit. If you’re able to bring that to the table, you’re going to stick around. It’s a gift to work for him, and I don’t think there’s a bigger compliment as an actor than to be asked back.

Taylor considered me for the role of Neal due to my association with Yellowstone, as he recognizes the unique qualities each actor brings to a project. His shows are successful because he has an eye for casting and understanding family dynamics, which he skillfully portrays on screen. I have the pleasure of working alongside Zoe Saldana, whose performances I find exceptional. I texted her to express my admiration after observing her work, as she seamlessly transitions between family scenes and professional ones. Truly, everyone in the cast is impressive in their own right.

Thad Luckinbill

I collaborated with Taylor on another film, titled “12 Strong“, some years back. During that project, he joined us for a few scenes and absolutely excelled in his role. It was as if he effortlessly delivered a monologue to an entire troop of soldiers, leaving me awestruck. I remember thinking, ‘this guy is incredible.’ Previously, I had known him, but never witnessed such a captivating performance. He’s not just a fantastic actor, but also brings so much more to the table. I believe he deserves to be cast in every project he undertakes. In “Lioness“, he truly shines. He embodies a badass persona, and his acting skills are beautifully showcased. By the end of the series, he’ll undoubtedly leave you with a heavy heart.

Jill Wagner

Working with Taylor can be incredibly intimidating, but let me tell you this: If you’re well-prepared, it’s an extraordinary experience. Unfortunately, if you’re not ready, it could overwhelm you. However, what’s fascinating is that he doesn’t crush you; instead, he pushes you to improve. He challenges you to the utmost and ultimately makes you a better person.” – Wagner, who is also an executive producer on the show.

About Sheridan’s performances this season, she remarked, ” frankly, it seems like there’s nothing Taylor can’t excel at – that’s the talk among professionals. I find this season particularly compelling because it touches on themes close to my heart. There are numerous complex issues being addressed, and I admire the way Taylor tackles them. I believe it will resonate with audiences in a unique way, as it strikes so close to home. Some of the scenes were challenging to act out, and I suspect they’ll be difficult for viewers to watch, but they serve an important purpose. The messages that Taylor conveys through his writing and the thoughts he encourages us to ponder are vital. During one scene, I noticed [LaMonica Garrett] with tears in his eyes. To me, that spoke volumes.

Austin Hebert

I truly enjoy working with Taylor. It’s more than a job for me, it’s a pleasure. He’s an authentic individual who always emphasizes his dedication when he enters a room. His commitment to his work is so strong that it feels like stepping onto a film set under his direction transports you into another reality. You find yourself focusing solely on the task at hand without much thought. Taylor ensures everything necessary for the job is in place, making it easy to follow his guidance.

The best note that he’s given me is, ‘Don’t think about it. It’s there.’ He has such an affinity for actors because he is one himself in addition to being a writer, director and creator. I’ve done a film with him before — he starred in 12 Strong, which I was in as well — and he’s so great to act with. He’s pretty explosive in his scenes [in Lioness]. He obviously has a brilliant mind that he’s shown through his films Hell or High Water and Sicario, and on TV with Yellowstone and that universe, but he’s just as brilliant to work with as an actor. He becomes your equal in a scene and he’s just really fun.”

Jonah Wharton

Be sure to be ready and vigilant, because action will be taken regardless. The camera will start rolling at any moment, whether it’s focusing on you or not. You may not know if this is your close-up or a simple background shot, so just be prepared to step into the spotlight. This man takes great pleasure in his work, and I find myself caught up in his enthusiasm. His focus on detail comes from his experience as an actor, which allows him to create authentic situations for us. He wants you to understand the context of your role, so that you can deliver a genuine performance. Once the camera starts rolling, anything can happen, and he might even encourage improvisation. Ultimately, he desires authenticity above all else, something I share as an actor. It keeps things exciting and unpredictable.

In this current season, he possesses an impressive on-screen charisma, a dominating presence that is captivating. It was quite impressive. He infuses his performances with a genuine and authentic quality that shines through in his acting and is also reflected in the script. Everything feels incredibly real. There’s no trace of artificiality about it. In fact, when he acts, it’s as if the cameras aren’t even there.

Hannah Love Lanier

Working with Taylor is fantastic! He truly brings out the best in you. He’s incredibly kind-hearted and sweet. There was this one instance when he sat me down, and it was truly inspiring and flattering. He said something along the lines of “I hope you’re as proud of your work last season as I am.” It was a simple acknowledgment of my efforts, a subtle way for him to say that what I’m doing is good enough. This boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue on this career path and progress in the industry. There are times when I deliver a line in a specific way or with a particular tone, and Taylor makes a minor adjustment. At first, these changes might seem insignificant, but they have a significant impact on the scene. These subtle tweaks help me spot similar issues in the future and learn from them.

David Lemanowicz, Executive Producer

Taylor is in charge of this production. He’s written and directed it this year, showing his dedication and professionalism. His approach reminds me of some tough but fair hockey coaches I’ve had in the past. He’s meticulous about preparation, demanding the best from everyone when it’s time to perform. Taylor is decisive, knowing exactly what he wants and often requiring only one or two takes to get it right. His clear vision ensures that we don’t waste time redoing scenes. Having him on camera this season adds a fresh perspective, making us all feel even more proud of the project as we watch his ideas come to life.

James Jordan

In my past as an actor, we’re all usually trying hard to find writers who can create compelling stories for us. Back in August 2015, I watched Sicario, mainly because I admire Josh Brolin and Denis Villeneuve. As soon as the movie ended, I called my manager Jamie Freed and asked who wrote it. He replied, “Taylor Sheridan.” After collaborating with him on Wind River, our paths have been intertwined ever since. Taylor is an invaluable asset to this industry, enriching both the business and Western culture through his storytelling and American narratives. It’s been a source of personal joy for me. He has a straightforward approach when directing actors, often telling us, “Say the words. Hit your mark. Keep your eyes open. Tell the truth.” When I face difficulties in a scene, he comes up to me, looks me straight in the eye, and says, “All you have to do is tell the truth. The words are there. Get out of the way of the writing, and tell the truth.” Working with him has been nothing short of a blessing.

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On Sundays, you can catch the latest episodes of season two for the Lioness series on Paramount+, and the first two episodes are currently available to stream. Take a look at The Hollywood Reporter’s interview with Dave Annable.

2024-10-28 22:26