Kirk Acevedo to Appear on Season Two of Taylor Sheridan‘s “Lioness”

Kirk Acevedo is entering the Lion’s den…

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican actor has landed a recurring role for Season 2 cast of Taylor Sheridan‘s Lioness.

Kirk AcevedoAcevedo is among a roster of new cast additions that includes Max Martini and Patricia De Leon on the series, which stars Zoe Saldaña,

Other cast members Laysla De Oliveira, Genesis Rodriguez and Michael Kelly, with Morgan Freeman, and Nicole Kidman, who executive produces.

Inspired by an actual U.S. Military program, Lioness follows the life of Joe (Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror.

In Season 2, as the CIA’s fight against terror moves closer to home, Joe (Saldaña), Kaitlyn (Kidman) and Byron (Kelly) enlist a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a previously unknown threat. With pressure mounting from all sides, Joe is forced to confront the profound personal sacrifices she has made as the leader of the Lioness program.

Martini will play Tracer, a “man hunter” with the Special Forces team. Acevedo will portray Gutierrez, a toughened FBI agent, and De Leon is Maria, a wealthy, Dallas resident.

Cast also includes Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah WhartonThad Luckinbill and Hannah Love Lanier.

Season 1 of Lioness set a record as the streamer’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day, with nearly 6 million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally and on a linear preview on the Paramount Network.

The espionage thriller is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exclusively for Paramount+. The series is executive produced by Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Saldaña, Kidman, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Jill Wagner, David Lemanowicz, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman and Keith Cox and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Avevedo is known for his role as Joseph D. Toye in the television miniseries Band of Brothers and as José Ramse in 12 Monkeys.

His other television credits include a series regular role in Oz, as well key roles in Fringe, Prime Suspect and Arrow.

His film work includes Terrance Malick’s Thin Red Line, James Wan’s Insidious: The Last KeyMatt ReevesDawn of the Planet of the Apes and Disney’s Invincible, among others.

de Leon most recently heavily recurred on FX’s Mayans M.C. She previously recurred on ABC’s Station 19 and Max’s Genera+ion. On the big screen, she shot a supporting role opposite Abigail Spencer and Matthew Lillard in Mark Robert Ellis’ One Heart.

She also supported opposite Amber Midthunder and Billy Zane in Dana Gonzales’ Centurion: The Dancing Stallion.

Genesis Rodriguez to Star Opposite Zoe Saldaña in Paramount+’s “Lioness” for Season Two

Genesis Rodriguez is ready to roar

The 36-year-old Cuban-Venezuelan actress has joined the Season 2 cast of Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness.

Genesis Rodriguez, Rodriguez will portray Captain Josephina Carrillo, a dedicated soldier and skilled helicopter pilot with a fierce personality.

Starring Zoe Saldaña and Laysla De Oliveira, the drama was renewed for a second season by Paramount+ earlier this month. Season 1 is available to stream in its entirety via P+.

Lioness is based on a real-life CIA program and follows Cruz Manuelos (De Oliveira), a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine recruited to join the CIA’s Lioness Engagement Team to help bring down a terrorist organization from within.

Saldaña plays Joe, the station chief of the Lioness program tasked with training, managing and leading her female undercover operatives.

The series also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton and Hannah Love Lanier.

Rodriguez most recently wrapped production on Kevin Smith’s The 4:30 Movie, in which she stars alongside Justin Long, Jason Lee and Rachel Dratch.

She recently starred in the series Neon, executive produced by Daddy Yankee, and can also be seen in Season 3 of the hit series The Umbrella Academy.

Additional film credits include TuskBig Hero 6, Casa De Mi PadreMan On A LedgeIdentity Thief and Run All Night.

She can also be seen in the independent films Centigrade and Fixation.

Rodriguez previously shot a leading role opposite Kiefer Sutherland and Boyd Holbrook for the series The Fugitive.

Octavio Rodriguez to Appear on Paramount+’s Drama “Landman”

Octavio Rodriguez is officially a landman….

The Latino actor has landed a recurring role in the Paramount+ drama Landman from Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace.

Octavio Rodriguez,Rodriguez is joined by Freeridge actor J.R. Villarreal on the recurring actor roster.

They join series regulars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, James Jordan, Mark Collie, Paulina Chávez and Demi Moore; and recurring stars Jon Hamm, Colm Feore and Mustafa Speaks.

Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, Landman is a modern-day tale of fortune seeking in the world of oil rigs. Based on the 11-part podcast Boomtown, the series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.

Rodriguez will play Antonio, a hard man who is angry when his family suffers a tragedy.

Villarreal will play Manuel, an oil crewman who is looking for reprisal after a disaster.

Currently filming in and around Fort Worth, Texas, Landman is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios and Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions exclusively for Paramount+.

Rodriguez’s credits include Chicago P.D.Grey’s Anatomy and Homeland.

Paulina Chávez to Star in Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ Drama Series “Landman”

Paulina Chávez is conquering new Land(man)

The Latina actress has been cast in Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming Paramount+ drama series Landman.

Paulina ChávezChavez, who rose to acclaim on the Netflix series The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia is among a list of new series regular cast additions that includes Kayla Wallace, James Jordan and Mark Collie.

They join previously announced leads Billy Bob Thornton, Michelle Randolph and Jacob Lofland.

Co-created by Sheridan and Wallace, Landman is set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas and is a modern day tale of fortune seeking in the world of oil rigs. The series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.

Thornton stars as Tommy Norris, a crisis manager for an oil company. Randolph plays Ainsley Norris, the wild and strong-willed seventeen year old daughter of Tommy Norris (Thornton). Lofland portrays Cooper Norris, Tommy Norris’ (Thornton) son.

Chávez plays Ariana, a young mother whose family has suffered a misfortune.

Land Man is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios and Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions.

Zoe Saldaña’s “Special Ops: Lioness” Touted as Paramount+’s Most-Watched Global Series Premiere in Its First 24 Hours

Zoe Saldaña is celebrating a special accomplishment…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress’ latest project, Special Ops: Lioness, is a streaming sensation.

Zoe Saldaña, Special Ops: Lioness,The espionage thriller from Taylor Sheridan premiered with two episodes on Paramount+ on July 23, and Paramount Global is now touting it as the streamer’s most-watched global series premiere in its first 24 hours, topping a previous record set by Halo in March 2022.

In addition to debuting on Paramount+, the first two episodes also aired on Paramount Network across the last two weekends. The first episode debuted on July 23 to coincide with the series’ streaming debut, and Episode 2 aired on July 30. The remaining episodes will only be available on Paramount+.

After three days of delayed viewing, Episode 1 scored a combined audience of nearly 6M across viewing on Paramount+ globally and linear viewing on Paramount Network in the U.S., according to Paramount Global.

(For reference, Samba TV reported that 918,000 U.S. households watched Episode 1 on Paramount+ on release day, while 218,000 watched Episode 2.)

“On one of the most competitive weeks of the year, Special Ops: Lioness scored as the No. 1 new scripted series of the year on cable and one of the highest performers of all time on Paramount+,” said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO, Paramount Media Networks & Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. “Brilliantly created by Taylor Sheridan and brought to life by our stellar cast, this heart-pounding thriller inspired by real-life events clearly struck a chord with a huge audience.”

Added Domenic DiMeglio, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Paramount Streaming: “The strong viewer reception for Special Ops: Lioness reflects the power of Paramount across the board in creating, producing, marketing and delivering this incredible Taylor Sheridan drama with broad global appeal. We can’t wait for viewers to come along with us on this high stakes thrill ride.”

On the Paramount Network, Special Ops: Lioness followed Paramount Network and CMT’s airing of the Paramount+ original series 1883, which drummed up 2.2M viewers — a season high for that Taylor Sheridan series.

Inspired by an actual U.S. military program, the new Sheridan drama follows Joe (Saldaña) as she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror. The Lioness Program, overseen by Kaitlyn Meade (Nicole Kidman) and Byron Westfield (Michael Kelly), enlists an aggressive Marine Raider named Cruz (Laysla De Oliveira) to operate undercover alongside Joe among the power brokers of state terrorism in the CIA’s efforts to thwart the next 9/11.

Special Ops: Lioness also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur and Hannah Love Lanier. The series is executive produced by Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Saldaña, Kidman, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Wagner, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Malone and John Hillcoat.

It’s produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios for Paramount+. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ markets.

“We are thrilled audiences have discovered the power of Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman & Laysla De Oliveira,” said David C. Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios.  “These three incredible actors delivered and make Lioness an action packed, dramatic, joy-ride week after week.”

Paramount+ Releases First Look Photos of Zoe Saldaña’s New Espionage Thriller “Special Ops: Lioness”

Zoe Saldaña is a lioness

Paramount+ has released first-look photos and an official title for Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming espionage thriller Special Ops: Lioness (fka Lioness), starring the 44-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress.

Zoe Saldaña, Special Ops: Lioness,Saldaña is starring opposite Nicole Kidman, Laysla De Oliveira and Morgan Freeman in the project.

Based on a real-life CIA program, Special Ops: Lioness follows Cruz Manuelos (De Oliveira), a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine recruited to join the CIA’s Lioness Engagement Team to help bring down a terrorist organization from within.

Zoe Saldaña, Special Ops: Lioness,Saldaña will play Joe, the station chief of the Lioness program tasked with training, managing, and leading her female undercover operatives.

The series, from MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, also stars series regulars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James JordanAustin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur and Hannah Love Lanier with Emmy Award nominee Michael Kelly in a recurring role.

Zoe Saldaña, Special Ops: Lioness,Sheridan executive produces with David C. Glasser, Saldaña, Kidman, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Jill Wagner, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Malone and John Hillcoat.

Zoe Saldaña, Special Ops: Lioness,

Rodriguez to Star Opposite Benicio del Toro in the “Sicario” Sequel, “Soldado”

Elijah Rodriguez is officially enlisted

The Latino actor has joined the cast of Soldado, the Sicario sequel starring Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin and Isabela Moner.

Elijah Rodriguez

Rodriguez, a Hollywood newcomer, will play a pivotal role opposite del Toro as a Mexican-American teenager who is caught up between becoming a sicario in the dangerous world of the drug cartels and his desire to do what is right and not lose his humanity.

Stefano Sollima will direct Soldado from a script written by Taylor Sheridan.

Rodriguez’s previous credit was voicing Young Joaquin in Guillermo del Toro’s The Book of Life.

del Toro In Talks to Star in “Predator” Reboot

It’s prey time for Benicio del Toro

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican actor is in early talks to star in Predator, a reboot of the film franchise in the works at 20th Century Fox.

Benicio del Toro

Shane Black will direct the film. He was actually a co-star in the 1987 original alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, playing a member of Arnold’s team and the first to die at the hands of the Predator. Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura also co-starred.

Black’s Monster Squad co-writer Fred Dekker is scripting the new Predator.

del Toro is also aboard Soldado, the second installment of the drug war thriller that began with 2015’s SicarioGomorra director Stefano Sollima is helming after Denis Villenueve led the first one, and Taylor Sheridan has again written the script. Black Label Media and Lionsgate are co-financing.

Additionally, The Oscar-winner has a villainous role in Star Wars: Episode VIII.

del Toro to Star in “Sicario” sequel, “Soldado”

Benicio del Toro is ready to soldier on…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican actor will star in Soldado, the second installment of the drug war thriller that began with 2015’s Sicario.

Benicio del Toro

Hailing from Lionsgate and Black Label Media, the sequel focuses on Alejandro Gillick, the shadowy protagonist played by del Toro, and Josh Brolin’s CIA agent Matt Graver, who in the first film established themselves as hell bent on hunting down cartel kingpins, no matter what.

Soldado, which was scripted by Taylor Sheridan, does not include the FBI agent character played by Emily Blunt in Sicario.

In the film, Gillick and Graver concern themselves with what is being smuggled across the border between Mexico and the U.S. in the tunnels used to move drugs and illegal immigrants. Those tunnels also can be used to bring terrorists into the U.S.

Italian director Stefano Sollima is the front-runner to direct the second installment. Denis Villenueve directed the first film.

del Toro’s Drug-Runner Drama “Sicario” Set for Limited Release in September

Benicio Del Toro is returning to the big screen this fall…

Lionsgate Films has set a September 18 limited-release date for Sicario, the drug-runner drama starring the 48-year-old Academy Award-winning Puerto Rican actor.

Benicio del Toro

From director Denis Villenueve, the film stars Emily Blunt as an idealistic FBI agent exposed to the brutal world of international drug trafficking by members of a government task force (del Toro and Josh Brolin) who have enlisted her in their plan to take out a Mexican cartel boss.

The film co-stars Jon Bernthal.

Taylor Sheridan wrote Sicario, which will have its wide release one week later, on September 25.