Genesis Rodriguez Discovered What She’s Capable of in Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Lioness’

Genesis Rodriguez has been receiving widespread acclaim for her performance as Josie Carrillo in Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness. As the season two finale wraps up, Rodriguez finds herself reflecting on her growth as both an actress and an individual, having faced challenges and obstacles that pushed her to discover new strengths and abilities. Her portrayal of Josie, a U.S. Army captain forced into the CIA’s Lioness program, has captured the attention of viewers as she navigates both the high-stakes world of covert operations and the personal turmoil surrounding her family’s connection to a Mexican cartel.

For Rodriguez, the role of Josie was more than just a career milestone; it was a journey of self-discovery. She admits that the part initially intimidated her, but it was exactly that fear that pushed her to take the leap. “It wasn’t natural for me,” Rodriguez says. “It was actually like a challenge… When it scares you, there is this growth.” The intensity of the role, which demanded both physicality and emotional depth, made Rodriguez realize how much she was capable of achieving. The character of Josie challenged her to grow as an actress and helped her uncover strengths she didn’t know she had. “I didn’t know I could do all the things that I was able to do,” she reflects, adding that the experience helped her grow both professionally and personally.

One of the most compelling aspects of Lioness is the complex relationship between Josie and Cruz, a fellow recruit in the Lioness program. Their bond, which evolves from mutual respect and understanding to romance, is a pivotal part of the storyline. Rodriguez explains that for Josie, Cruz represents the one person who treated her with genuine humanity. “It was the one person who spoke to her like a human, who understood where she was coming from,” Rodriguez notes. This emotional connection becomes even more significant as Josie faces the harsh realities of her family’s involvement in the cartel. When Josie confronts her father, Pablo Carrillo, she’s forced to reconcile with the fact that the man she thought she knew is far more brutal and political than she ever imagined. Rodriguez describes the shock Josie experiences when her father’s true nature is revealed, emphasizing how people often avoid seeing family members for who they really are. “You can look away at certain things because it’s family,” she says. “But then there could be so much avoidance until you’re actually confronted with this person again, and you’re seeing them for who they are.”

The season two finale of Lioness delivers some of the most intense action of the series, with Josie thrust into a chaotic battle in Iran. Her helicopter is shot down, and she must fight for survival amid an all-out war. Rodriguez’s performance during this scene is raw and powerful, particularly during a pivotal moment when Josie screams in sheer desperation. The scream, while scripted, comes from a place of instinct, Rodriguez says, explaining that once she was in the heat of the moment, the emotion took over. “When you’re actually in the moment… feeling the explosions, seeing the chaos—it just comes out naturally,” she reflects. This scene, along with the rest of the action-packed finale, marks a turning point for Josie, who is now fully immersed in the Lioness program and all its complexities.

Working alongside such a talented cast, including Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, and Michael Kelly, has been one of the highlights of Rodriguez’s experience on Lioness. Rodriguez shares how much she admires Zoe Saldaña, saying, “I’ve looked up to her for so many years. To share screen time with her and witness her talent was a gift.” Saldaña’s influence, both on and off-screen, had a lasting impact on Rodriguez, who praises her as “one-of-a-kind” and someone who could do no wrong. The camaraderie among the cast was one of the reasons Lioness became such a special experience for Rodriguez, who describes the entire ensemble as dedicated and collaborative.

The physical demands of playing Josie were no small feat. Rodriguez had to train extensively to build muscle, learn how to fly a helicopter, and perform stunts. “This whole series kicked my ass in the best way possible,” she says. “It challenged me in the best ways.” Despite the grueling preparation, Rodriguez embraces the challenges because they pushed her to expand her capabilities. She admits she’s proud of the growth she experienced and grateful for the opportunity to explore new facets of herself as an actress.

As Lioness season two ends, fans are left wondering about the fate of Josie and the rest of the Lioness team. Rodriguez is hopeful that the show will return for a third season, and she is eager to continue exploring her character’s journey. “I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that we get picked up for another season,” she says with enthusiasm. The anticipation for Lioness season three is palpable, and Rodriguez is clearly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for her character.

Beyond Lioness, Rodriguez is also working on new projects, including a role in Netflix’s The Night Agent. “I’m playing such a different part in Night Agent,” she shares. “It’s a lot of fun… a lot of action and twists and turns.” The shift from the physically demanding role in Lioness to a more cerebral character in The Night Agent allows Rodriguez to showcase her versatility and take on a completely new type of challenge. She’s clearly enthusiastic about this next chapter in her career, saying she loves the idea of constantly being pushed outside her comfort zone.

Looking back at her time on Lioness, Rodriguez is full of gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to grow as both an actress and a person. “I’m still coming off the high of Lioness,” she says, expressing her appreciation for the fans who embraced the show. As her career continues to rise, it’s clear that Rodriguez is ready for whatever comes next. Whether it’s a potential third season of Lioness or new projects on the horizon, she’s excited for the future and eager to continue taking on roles that challenge her in new and unexpected ways.