Lioness, the high-stakes spy thriller from Taylor Sheridan, has added a major star to its roster for Season 2: Morgan Freeman. Known for his legendary career, Freeman has transitioned from a recurring role to a regular cast member, playing U.S. Secretary of State Edwin Mullins. In the show, Mullins is deeply involved in navigating complex, high-risk CIA operations, including a mission to take down a powerful Mexican cartel leader.
While his character played more of a background role in the first season, Freeman’s role in Season 2 is expected to expand, putting him at the heart of the action. In an exclusive interview, Freeman opened up about his return to Lioness, his experience filming with an all-star cast, and his thoughts on Taylor Sheridan’s expanding universe of shows.
Why Morgan Freeman Returned for Lioness Season 2
When asked what drew him back to Lioness for a second season, Freeman didn’t hold back. He revealed that there were three main reasons behind his decision.
“First of all, it’s a Taylor Sheridan project. I’m just thrilled to be a part of that,” Freeman said, referencing the show’s creator, who has become known for hit series like Yellowstone and 1883. “Second, the cast is incredible. Working with Zoe [Saldana], Nicole [Kidman], Michael [Kelly], and Bruce [McGill]—just that alone is enough. And to top it off, I’m paid to do it.”
For Freeman, it doesn’t get much better than this: a chance to work on a Sheridan series alongside a talented ensemble, all while earning a paycheck.
Freeman’s Secret to Tackling Long, Complex Scenes
Lioness is known for its tense, high-stakes situations, many of which require long filming hours with multiple actors. Freeman’s experience in these scenes is clear—he’s a master at learning lines quickly, which is crucial in group scenes where one mistake can result in a costly retake.
“I’ve had the gift of learning lines well,” Freeman explained. “When I was a kid, I had to perform in a three-act play with almost no time to prepare. But I’ve always been able to pick up lines quickly, and in a scene with a crowd, if you forget something, it’s no big deal. Everyone else will need to do it again anyway.”
His preparation and natural talent for memorization have kept him sharp, even in the most challenging scenes with many other actors involved.
Freeman Looks Back on His Acting Career And Future Roles
After decades of iconic roles, Freeman has seen it all. But even with his vast experience, there are still a few things he’d love to do. “My bucket list is pretty much scratched out now,” he said. “But when I was a kid, I always wanted to be a gunfighter. I’d strap on my guns every morning.”
While Freeman acknowledged that this type of role may not be suitable for him now, he jokingly pitched the idea to Lioness creator Taylor Sheridan. “If there’s ever a short scene where I could play a gunfighter, I’d love to do it,” Freeman said with a laugh. “Taylor, I’m talking to you!”
It’s clear that Freeman still harbors a love for the genre, and Sheridan’s Lioness might just be the perfect fit for a future action-packed appearance.
The Allure of Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding TV Universe
Freeman has been a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s work long before he joined the Lioness team. He expressed admiration for Sheridan’s storytelling ability, particularly in his various shows set within the Yellowstone universe. “The writing is so engaging—it grabs you right from the start,” Freeman said. “I started with Yellowstone, then moved on to 1883 and 1923. The man is astounding.”
For Freeman, joining the world of Sheridan’s television empire was a welcome surprise. “I’m like everyone else—just a fan watching his shows. The surprise is that now I’m part of it, too.”
Season 2 of Lioness is now available on Paramount+, with new episodes dropping each Sunday.
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