Lioness Season 3: A Double Agent Arrives

Paramount+'s "Lioness" returns for its third season, introducing Ukrainian-Canadian actor Elizaveta Neretin in a pivotal new role. Neretin portrays a double agent who encounters Joe, played by Zoe Saldaña, at Georgetown University. The character provides critical information regarding Aleksi Yurimov, the head of Russia's Special Task Force, whose capture is a primary objective for the CIA.

Neretin's casting followed a direct message to series creator Taylor Sheridan. After an initial role in Sheridan's "Mayor of Kingstown," Neretin trained at The Juilliard School. Sheridan, who had previously told Neretin he would work with her again, fulfilled that promise upon her graduation, highlighting his collaborative approach.

The series is noted for its complex portrayal of female characters, balancing nurturing qualities with strength as CIA operatives. Neretin sees this as a powerful exploration of women overcoming obstacles within challenging structures, finding strength in adversity and embracing qualities necessary for self-preservation.

Engaging with such a demanding role drew upon Neretin's rigorous Juilliard training, particularly the Alexander Technique. This discipline helps actors maintain physical and emotional alignment during intense scenes. A notable ritual involves imagining a bonfire to release the emotional baggage of a character, a practice of "burning away things that no longer serve you."