Special Ops: Lioness cast and character guide: Who plays who in the Zoe Saldana spy thriller show

Special Ops: Lioness of Paramount+ has a star-studded cast that features a mix of Hollywood veterans and rising stars. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the mind behind Yellowstone, this spy thriller series takes viewers into the CIA's Lioness program, where female operatives infiltrate dangerous organizations.

Special Ops: Lioness premiered in July 2023 and was renewed for season 2, which came out in October 2024. It is about the life of Joe McNamara who is a CIA officer who’s juggling her demanding job and family life. All the while training a new recruit, Cruz Manuelos for an important mission.

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Special Ops: Lioness cast and roles

1) Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara

Zoe Saldaña plays Joe McNamara, a CIA officer leading the Lioness program, in Special Ops: Lioness. Her character is tough and resourceful but is torn between her responsibilities at work and her family.

Joe struggles to balance her job and personal life and that is a significant part of the series, making her a strong and relatable protagonist.

Zoe is no stranger to action-packed roles as she has previously been in several big films from Avatar to Guardians of the Galaxy.

2) Dave Annable as Neal McNamara

Dave Annable takes on the role of Neal McNamara in Special Ops: Lioness. He is Joe’s supportive but stressed-out husband. Professionally, he is a pediatric oncology surgeon, a demanding job that adds strain to their marriage.

Dave has been in shows like Brothers & Sisters and Yellowstone. His portrayal of Neal brings a grounded and heartfelt element to the series, showing the emotional toll of balancing work and family.

3) Laysla De Oliveira as Sergeant Cruz Manuelos

Laysla plays Cruz Manuelos in Special Ops: Lioness. A fierce and determined woman, she joins the military to escape her troubled past. Cruz doesn’t take much time to prove herself as an asset to the team.

Laysla gained recognition for her role in Locke & Key. She continues to impress with her portrayal of Cruz. Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength makes her a standout in the series.

4) Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade

Nicole Kidman stars as Kaitlyn Meade, a high-ranking CIA official who oversees the Lioness program. Kaitlyn acts as Joe's mentor and often navigates the bureaucratic challenges of the agency.

Kidman’s illustrious career speaks for itself. From Moulin Rouge! to Big Little Lies, she has proven her versatility in every role. In Special Ops: Lioness, she brings authority and warmth to Kaitlyn’s character.

5) Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins

Morgan Freeman portrays Edwin Mullins, the U.S. Secretary of State. Mullins’s role is crucial as he liaises between the Lioness team and the President.

Freeman’s commanding presence and deep voice make him a perfect fit for the role. He adds gravitas to the series. Fans know him from iconic films like The Shawshank Redemption and Bruce Almighty.

6) Genesis Rodriguez as Captain Josie Carrillo

Genesis plays Captain Josie Carrillo in Special Ops: Lioness. She is a new addition in season 2. Josie is a helicopter pilot with a fierce personality. She brings fresh energy to the team.

Genesis gained popularity with her roles in The Umbrella Academy and Big Hero 6. Her portrayal of Josie showcases her adaptability.

Supporting cast and characters in Special Ops: Lioness

Michael Kelly as Byron Westfield
Thad Luckinbill as Kyle McManus
Jill Wagner as Bobby
LaMonica Garrett as Tucker
James Jordan as Two Cups
Austin Hébert as Randy

All in all, though, the show’s mix of espionage, action, and emotional drama will keep you on the edge of your seat, but with a cast like this, you wouldn’t want to miss a second.