Zoe Saldaña is on a mission to empower those around her, and her recent work on Lioness exemplifies that commitment. The show, which made its triumphant return for Season 2, features an impressive lineup, including Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman. Joining this star-studded cast is Genesis Rodriguez, who makes her debut as Captain Josephina Carrillo, affectionately known as “Josie,” a resilient helicopter pilot shrouded in mystery.
Despite their characters’ initial clashes in the series, the camaraderie between Saldaña and Rodriguez shines through off-screen. Saldaña, 46, embodies a philosophy deeply rooted in support and collaboration. “I make it my mission to just genuinely root for people,” she shares with PEOPLE. “There is space for everyone to shine. The level of support that I like to provide for my co-workers and my peers and my superiors, you do it. Because you know that if you do it, they’re going to pay it forward, and you will receive it in your times of most need.” Her words reflect a belief that fostering a nurturing environment in the industry ultimately benefits everyone involved.
Rodriguez, 37, has long admired Saldaña from afar. She recalls a chance encounter where Saldaña recognized her father, singer José Luis Rodriguez. “One time we ran into each other … it’s not that she knew who I was at all — she recognized my dad,” Rodriguez reminisces. The sweet exchange led to a subsequent meeting where Rodriguez expressed her dream of working alongside Saldaña. “I hope I get to work with you one day. That’s a really big dream of mine. And we manifested that,” she adds, showcasing the beauty of dreams turning into reality.
For Rodriguez, landing a role on Lioness was a significant milestone in her career. Having previously starred in The Umbrella Academy, Identity Thief, and voiced the character Honey Lemon in Big Hero 6, she was eager to join such an accomplished cast. While many actors may prefer solitude during downtime, Rodriguez reveals that her co-stars formed a close-knit group. “What’s beautiful about this cast is that we hung out every weekend — every single weekend — and that’s unusual for any job,” she notes.
Rodriguez’s enthusiasm is infectious as she describes her experience on set. “Imagine going to work, you don’t want to see your coworkers. But here, I just wanted to be with them all the time like, ‘Where are we going? Are we going to the pool? Are we going to this barbecue?’” The warmth and camaraderie of her co-stars made her transition into the group feel seamless, dispelling any nerves she initially had about joining a new ensemble. “This really is the best cast, and I got very lucky,” she reflects, emphasizing her gratitude.
The cast of Lioness features a diverse array of talent, including Michael Kelly, Laysla De Oliveira, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, Jennifer Ehle, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Bruce McGill, and Thad Luckinbill. Saldaña, Kidman, and Wagner also take on the role of executive producers, working alongside the series creator, Taylor Sheridan, and a talented production team.
As the excitement builds for each new episode, fans can look forward to witnessing the dynamic relationships on-screen and the genuine support that flows behind the scenes. New episodes of Lioness drop every Sunday on Paramount+, offering viewers a captivating blend of action, drama, and the inspiring bonds formed among its talented cast. Zoe Saldaña’s commitment to uplifting her co-stars not only enriches the Lioness experience but also serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and kindness in Hollywood.
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