Meet the Star-Studded Cast of Special Ops: Lioness!

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With Special Ops: Lioness potentially returning for a third season on Paramount+, now is the ideal moment to familiarize yourself with the primary cast of characters. The action-packed spy thriller from Taylor Sheridan features Zoe Saldaña, a recent Academy Award winner, as the leader of a female CIA team engaged in the Middle Eastern war against terrorism. Although Paramount has yet to confirm Season 3, Saldaña herself has revealed that she agreed to star in three seasons.

As a seasoned movie critic, I find myself captivated by the intricate web of power players depicted in “Lioness” Season 3. From the dedicated members of McNamara’s team to the swift-action Quick Reaction Force (QFR), all the way up to esteemed figures within the CIA, NSA, and even the U.S. Secretary of State – these principal actors in Special Ops yield immense power and sway over events. The ensemble cast, brimming with award-winning acting talent from both the silver screen and television, breathes life into this gripping drama. For those aspiring to join “Lioness” in Season 3, I invite you to familiarize yourself with these key figures who drive the narrative.

Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara

Following her triumph at the Oscars for the role of Emilia Perez, actress Zoe Saldaña (known for movies like Avatar and Star Trek) will remain the main star in Special Ops: Lioness during Season 3. In this series, Saldaña plays Joe McNamara, a CIA operative who is assigned to gather and command an elite, all-female undercover spy team, known as the Lionesses. The seasoned field officer carries the emotional burden of a disastrous past mission in Syria that resulted in the loss of one of her team members.

In the passage of time, I find myself determined to make amends for my past errors. To do so, I assemble a fresh Lioness team, and select a seasoned former Marine named Cruz Manuelos, who will covertly infiltrate Asmar Ali Amrohi, a shadowy figure known for clandestinely backing terrorists across the Middle East. As I navigate the precarious world of my profession, I also strive to maintain harmony in my personal life here in the U.S., where I am blessed with a loving husband and two precious daughters.

Dave Annable as Neal McNamara

In a simpler, more conversational style: Dave Annable, a regular on Taylor Sheridan’s shows like Yellowstone and Walker, portrays Neal McNamara. Neal is Joe’s husband, a pediatric doctor with a focus on cancer treatment. While Joe takes risks in her life abroad, Neal works hard to maintain stability at home, taking care of their difficult teenage daughter Kate (played by Hanna Love Lanier) and their younger child, Charlie (Celestina Harris).

As a movie buff, I’d say: The geographical gap and busy schedules between us stirred tension in my marriage with Joe. One fateful day, an accident left me injured, necessitating surgery. This event sparked concern within Joe about the risky nature of my job, fearing I might not be around to witness our children, Kate and Charlie, grow up. In spite of the chasm that had formed between us, our love for each other remained unwavering, and we made a promise to stand by one another through thick and thin.

Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that Laysla De Oliveira, known for her roles in ‘Locke & Key’ and ‘In the Tall Grass’, brings Cruz Manuelos to life in the series ‘Lioness’. Hailing from Oklahoma, Cruz is a former Gunnery Sergeant in Force Recon Marines. When given the opportunity to join the Lioness program, he agrees to get near Amrohi, a financier of Middle Eastern terrorists. However, things take an unexpected turn when Cruz finds himself drawn into a romantic relationship with Aaliyah (Stephanie Nur), Amrohi’s daughter.

In Season 2, Cruz earns her Delta Force operator badge, but instead of resting on her laurels, Joe assigns her to a perilous undercover assignment. This mission involves tracking Captain Josephina Carillo, who eventually captures Cruz’s heart. Despite Joe being the one ultimately responsible and taking the fall when missions don’t go as planned, Cruz consistently takes greater risks with her life and safety compared to any other character not part of the QRF squad.

Jill Wagner as Bobby

Jill Wagner, famously known for her roles in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Blade: The Series’, portrays Bobby. In his role, he heads the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) during numerous CIA missions in the Middle East. As a superior officer, Bobby skillfully manages and assigns QRF members effectively to ensure missions stay on course. The QRF team consists of Tucker (LaMonica Garrett), Two Cups (James Jordan), Randy (Austin Hebert), and Tex (Jonah Wharton).

Besides training QRF members and collaborating with her boyfriend Tracer (Max Martini), Bobby’s job becomes intricate when she assumes responsibilities from Cruz and Josephina to monitor Josephina’s father, Pablo Carillo. Regardless of any mishaps that occur abroad, such as botched operations, Bobby stands by Joe and Josephina.

Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade

The award-winning actress Nicole Kidman (known for her roles in “The Hours” and “To Die For”) portrays the demanding role of Kaitlyn Meade, a high-ranking CIA official who is Joe McNamara’s superior. As a Special Activities officer with extensive experience in political machinations, Kaitlyn is responsible for safeguarding the Lioness team at all costs. Having raised concerns about Cruz’s readiness in Season 1, Kaitlyn becomes embroiled in a kidnapping scheme in Season 2.

In a recent incident, a U.S. congressional representative was kidnapped by unidentified attackers. Kaitlyn and Joe suspect this crime links to Pablo Carrillo and his group. As the series unfolds, Kaitlyn takes on a more active role. At the moment, she appears to be involved in the raid on Pablo’s Mexican hideout, hinting at an expanded part in Season 3.

Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins

In the film “Lioness,” acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman (known for “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Million Dollar Baby”) takes on a significant role as U.S. Secretary of State Edward Mullins. As the leader of the U.S. Department of State, Mullins serves as the President’s principal counselor on international issues. He collaborates closely with Kaitlyn Meade, NSA advisors, and the President’s Chief of Staff in making crucial decisions regarding foreign affairs.

1. Mullins delegates authority to CIA Deputy Director Byron Westfield for overseas missions, but this decision proves disastrous in Season 2. Among Freeman, Kidman, and Saldana, Special Ops outshines many TV dramas, moving towards film-like narratives. Remarkably, Freeman never reveals whether he’s portrayed as a villain or hero on the series, instead occupying the ambiguous zone straddling both.

Michael Kelly as Byron Westfield

In the series “Special Ops: Lioness,” Michael Kelly portrays Byron Westfield. Byron holds a significant position as the Deputy Director of Operations for the CIA, who is Kaitlyn Meade’s immediate supervisor. Moreover, he enjoys close ties with Mullins and the U.S. President, granting him considerable authority and influence over most individuals in Joe’s circle. However, given that unchecked power leads to corruption, it is essential to monitor Byron’s manipulative tendencies carefully.

As a seasoned movie critic, I must say that the character development in “Lioness” is truly remarkable. From a supporting role in Season 1, Byron has elevated himself to the limelight in Season 2, and it’s clear that we’ll be seeing much more of him when the series resumes. However, beware, for this man has secrets deeper than the ocean and motives as complex as a labyrinth.

His past is shrouded in mystery, and it seems that Byron harbors more concealed intentions and covert agendas than any other character on screen. This could potentially pose a significant threat to Joe and her team, adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative.

In the last episode we saw, Byron was seen brooding over the paradox that despite the horrendous tasks they are asked to perform in the name of liberty, CIA agents seem to effect little change. This introspective moment provides a fascinating insight into his character and hints at potential conflicts within the agency.

Genesis Rodriguez as Josephina Carillo

Actress Genesis Rodriguez, known for roles in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and ‘Time After Time’, has been added to the cast of ‘Lioness’ in its second season. She portrays Captain Josephina Carillo, a recently recruited member of the Lioness team. Her connection to the Mexican drug cartels through her family, specifically her father Pablo who is a drug smuggler and money launderer, makes her an intriguing addition. In the upcoming season 2 of ‘Lioness’, U.S. authorities focus on apprehending Pablo.

In the course of betraying her family to uncover vital information about a kidnapped congress member, Josie develops feelings for Cruz, making it hard to distinguish between professional and personal ties. Strategically joining the Lioness team, Josie leverages her background as a U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot to execute tasks safely. Nonetheless, her loyalty is severely tested when she must confront her own family. In the Season 2 finale, Josie is poised to take on a more significant role moving forward due to the unfortunate events that transpired.

Special Ops: Lioness is available to stream on Paramount+

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2025-05-29 06:03