Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman Join the Cast of Taylor Sheridan's 'Lioness'

lioness cast
Meet the Cast of Taylor Sheridan's 'Lioness'Christopher Polk / The Chosunilbo JNS / Kevin Winter - Getty Images
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This year got a whole lot better for fans of Taylor Sheridan's shows. Despite the news of Yellowstone ending, Sheridan has a number of new series in the works—including Special Ops: Lioness (formally known as Lioness)!

The upcoming addition will premiere sometime this summer and to say we're ready would just be downplaying our excitement! The plot centers around a CIA subgroup, the Lioness Engagement Team, who aims to tear down a dangerous terrorist organization that always seems to be one step ahead. And though the storyline, which definitely fits in with our favorite crime drama shows, is enough to reel us in—it's the show's cast that really has us sold.

Special Ops: Lioness has one of the most decorated casts you've ever seen. (We're honestly not sure how our eyes will contain this much talent.) Between the likes of Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman—we know we're in good hands. But they're just three of the names in this talented roster of actors. Read on to meet the complete Special Ops: Lioness cast and get to know the characters before the premiere!

Zoe Saldaña as Joe

Saldaña will play Joe, the station chief for the CIA's Lioness program. She leads a group of strong, clever women in the force who aim to take down organized terrorists. There's not much you'll be able to get past her, so don't even try!

Hardly needing the introduction, Saldaña stars in many of Hollywood's mega-hits, such as Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy movies and director James Cameron's ongoing Avatar franchise.

zoe saldana lioness cast
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Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade

Nicole will be portraying CIA senior supervisor Kaitlyn Meade, who knew exactly what cards to play and when to play them to get the high-ranking position she currently has. But don't be confused: There are no tricks up Kaitlyn's sleeves because she showcases her ingenious tactics boldly and proudly.

Kidman is a Hollywood native and red-carpet regular. She's had many acclaimed movie roles, such as her leading role in The Hours, for which she won an Oscar in 2003. Though, Kidman has since migrated to the world of television, starring in popular series Big Little Lies and The Undoing.

nicole kidman lioness cast
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Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins

Freeman will act as Edwin Mullins. His role in the show is straight to the point: U.S. Secretary of State. If there's anyone who could take on a title like this, it's Freeman!

You know Freeman from... everything. Freeman won an Oscar in 2005 for his supporting role in Million Dollar Baby but has most recently starred in films A Good Person and The Minute You Wake Up Dead.

morgan freeman lioness cast
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Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos

De Oliveira will play Cruz Manuelos, an ex-Marine and the newest member of the CIA's Lioness squad. She has a short temper, but it's her passion that makes her good at her job.

De Oliveira has a few projects already under her belt, such as the Netflix series Locke & Key, and films like In the Tall Grass and Guest of Honour.

laysla de oliveira lioness cast
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Dave Annable as Neil

Annable plays Neil, Joe's husband. The two share two daughters together, and will have an ongoing romance throughout the series.

Annable had in a role in the second season of CW’s Walker. He also played Lee Dutton in the Yellowstone series.

dave annable lioness cast
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Bassem Youssef as Amrohi

Youssef takes on the role of billionaire Amrohi, a bad guy in rich clothing. He might seem like a walking testimony for those who want to make it to the top with not much beneath them—but he's hiding some serious and dark secrets. It's no wonder the CIA is after him!

Youssef is an Egyptian comedian whose first big acting role is in the Lioness series.

bassem youssef lioness cast
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Jill Wagner as Bobby

Wagner will ease into the role as Bobby, a member of the CIA's Special Activities Division. She's one of the many powerful, witty women in the CIA's board.

You might recognize Wagner as the former host of ABC game show, Wipeout. She's also a regular face on television movies, starring in films like Hearts of Winter and A Christmas Miracle for Daisy.

jill wagner lioness cast
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LaMonica Garrett as Tucker

Garrett will pay Tucker, another member in the CIA Special Activities Division.

Garrett had a role in the series Designated Survivor and movies like Primal and Clemency. Oh, and you may recognize him as Thomas from the 1883 series!

lamonica garret lioness cast
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James Jordan as Two Cups

Jordan will play Two Cups, who is the right hand man to Tucker and fellow member of the CIA Activities Division.

Jordan played Cookie in the 1883 series, and can also be found acting in Mayors in Kingstown. He has starred in movies like Winder River and Home.

james jordan lioness cast
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Stephanie Nur as Aaliyah

Nur is Aaliyah, the daughter to Amrohi (the aforementioned billionaire), who seems blissfully unaware of her father's wrongdoing. Though, she may be smarter than the eye first sees...

Nur also had a recurring role in 1883 (where she played Melodi). She will also act in the upcoming movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.

stephanie nur lioness cast
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