Zoe Saldaña, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, has shed light on the distinctive working environment fostered by acclaimed writer, director, and producer Taylor Sheridan. The star of "Lioness" described Sheridan's approach as setting an exceptionally high bar for performers, presenting them with a clear choice on his production sets.
"Working with him is a challenge in the sense that he does raise the bar," Saldaña explained. "And you have one of two choices. You either accept the challenge and make sure that you don't f--- up... or you quit." For her part, Saldaña quickly affirmed, "And I like being challenged. I really do."
These remarks come as Sheridan continues to expand his formidable television empire, which includes highly successful series like "Yellowstone," "Lioness," "Landman," "Tulsa King," "Mayor of Kingstown," and the "Yellowstone" prequel dramas. His reputation for crafting intricate narratives and his hands-on involvement are well-known for motivating actors to elevate their craft.
Preparing for Rigor on Set
For Saldaña, who portrays CIA operative Joe McNamara in the Paramount+ series "Lioness," these elevated expectations commence long before cameras begin rolling. The Oscar-winning actress recounted a personal call from Sheridan prior to the third season, where he outlined the physically demanding requirements for her character.
"He said, 'I definitely want you to build more muscle. I want Joe to be just a machine,'" Saldaña shared. In response, she promptly engaged a private trainer to help her physically embody the role of a hardened CIA operative before filming commenced.
Sheridan's presence on set can also be quite formidable. "Sheridan is an intimidating cat," Saldaña admitted. "I'm not going to lie. And he comes in so serious. It raises the bar for the rest of us."
Beyond the Demands: Passion and Collaboration
Despite his demanding reputation, Saldaña observed that the "Yellowstone" creator demonstrates an equal commitment to collaborating with actors who arrive prepared. "It's actually great," she noted regarding direct work with Sheridan. "When you work with him is when you realize how passionate he is about actors and about acting. I think it is his first love when it comes to the arts."
Saldaña further described him as "an incredibly smart person" who is "very curious about government affairs." She added that he "seeks out information and education based on that curiosity," which then informs his "incredibly elaborate shows that end up really educating us as well."
A Dynamic Partnership: Saldaña and Kidman
Within the intricate world of "Lioness," Saldaña has found one of her most significant collaborators in fellow actress Nicole Kidman. The two performers have established a routine for navigating Sheridan's complex scripts when they seek clarity or answers.
"We tag team finding out where Taylor is and seeing if he's going to call us back because, when we need him, it's always having to do with the work," Saldaña revealed. Their mornings typically begin with "five or ten minutes" of catching up before moving to hair and makeup. They then dive into the day's scenes, often locating Sheridan between takes to discuss dialogue that "don't feel like they're making any sense."
This collaborative dynamic has become a highlight for Saldaña during the series' production. "It's wonderful because I respect her so much," she expressed concerning Kidman. "Nicole... I admire her. She's an incredibly talented woman, but what she is first and foremost, what I love the most, is she's a mother. She's a daughter. She's a sister. She's a friend."
Saldaña concluded, "And she plays all of those roles beautifully. And she does it with so much love and unconditional support. That's admirable. So everything about working with Nicole has been true joy."
Kidman reciprocated the sentiment, stating, "I just love her. She's just so fun, and she's so generous, and a girl's girl." She added that while they come to work, they also "have so many other things that we rely on," implying a deeper connection beyond professional duties.
Mastering Complex Narratives
The actresses' strong partnership proves particularly valuable given the heavy military and intelligence themes prevalent in Sheridan's scripts, which demand extensive preparation.
Earlier this year, Kidman shared that she relies on dedicated researchers to help her comprehend the dense CIA terminology featured in the show. "We have to understand every single thing we're saying," Kidman previously explained. "It has to come trippingly off your tongue. You have to understand everything, and it has to be [like it's] something that you are using as everyday language all the time."
She likened the preparation for her role to "suddenly doing a thesis in the CIA," noting that she, along with co-stars Michael Kelly and Morgan Freeman, regularly rehearse together to master unfamiliar terms before cameras roll.
Saldaña has also spoken about the arduous task of mastering Sheridan's dialogue, previously indicating that the role helped her confront both her dyslexia and anxiety due to the intense preparation required.
Despite these challenges, Saldaña noted that Sheridan's willingness to listen often surprises her most. "And I love collaborating with Taylor because I love his mind. I like his art. I like his writing. And I like playing roles that feel wholesome."
She elaborated, "When he knows that you care, when he knows where you're coming from, when you know exactly what it is that you want to talk about, he meets you where you're at. He's very collaborative."
