Nicole Kidman Saddles Up: First Look at ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ Season 2 as Filming Kicks Into Gear

Paramount+ has offered fans their first glimpse of Nicole Kidman on the set of Special Ops: Lioness season two — and it’s clear that Taylor Sheridan’s high-octane espionage drama is back in full swing.

The Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes photo from filming, posing in a cowboy hat alongside members of the crew. The snapshot, sunny and relaxed, shows Kidman smiling between takes as production on the much-anticipated second season gathers momentum.

“Best cowboy hat ever… Thanks #TaylorSheridan & #Lioness. Season 2 is in full force xx,” Kidman captioned the post, giving fans an early tease of what’s to come from the hit Paramount+ series.

From Ranchlands to Espionage: Taylor Sheridan Expands His Empire

Special Ops: Lioness is one of the latest successes from Taylor Sheridan, the prolific creator behind Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and Tulsa King. Known for his gritty storytelling and complex portrayals of power, loyalty, and survival, Sheridan’s latest universe trades the Montana plains for the shadowy corridors of intelligence operations — though his signature Western sensibility still lingers in the show’s atmosphere.

The first season of Lioness, which premiered in 2023, was a breakout hit for Paramount+. Blending action, emotional depth, and global intrigue, it struck a chord with audiences who were drawn to its mix of grounded realism and cinematic intensity.

The series centers on Joe, a determined and battle-hardened CIA officer played by Zoe Saldaña, who runs the Lioness program — an elite, all-female undercover unit designed to infiltrate the networks of dangerous targets. Working under Kaitlyn Meade, Kidman’s formidable and politically savvy superior, Joe is tasked with mentoring and managing the fiercely capable but volatile Marine recruit, Sergeant Cruz Manuelos (played by Laysla De Oliveira).

A Female-Driven Spy Drama with Bite

At its core, Lioness is more than a spy thriller. It’s a story about identity, morality, and the sacrifices demanded by national security. The show explores how the women at its center navigate dual lives — balancing duty and deception while confronting the personal costs of their missions.

Zoe Saldaña’s Joe is a tough-as-nails operative juggling loyalty to her team, her country, and her family. Laysla De Oliveira’s Cruz brings raw emotion to the role of a soldier trying to prove herself while being thrust into a morally ambiguous world.

Nicole Kidman’s Kaitlyn Meade adds gravitas and intelligence, representing the political machine that drives the operations. Her character’s calm authority hides the deep strain of a career spent managing covert chaos from behind the scenes.

In interviews following the first season’s release, Kidman praised the project for portraying powerful women in positions of command. “What I loved about Lioness was that it didn’t glamorize the job — it showed the toll,” she said. “These are women fighting wars abroad and within themselves.”

Renewal and Rising Expectations

After its debut, Special Ops: Lioness quickly became one of Paramount+’s top-performing original series. Viewers praised its cinematic direction, emotionally charged performances, and Sheridan’s trademark storytelling — a mix of tension, grit, and unexpected heart.

When the renewal was announced earlier this year, Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President of Programming for Paramount+, credited the show’s passionate audience and powerhouse cast.

“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of Lioness’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, and Nicole Kidman,” Grossman said. “We cannot wait to see more of the heart-stopping suspense and action that Taylor Sheridan and the incredibly talented team deliver in its second season.”

What to Expect from Season Two

While plot details for the upcoming season remain tightly under wraps, insiders have hinted that the stakes will rise dramatically. The new episodes are expected to delve deeper into the personal costs of espionage and the blurred lines between duty and morality.

Fans can likely expect Lioness to expand its scope — moving beyond the U.S. to explore international operations and political repercussions. Sheridan’s shows are known for balancing action with introspection, and Lioness appears poised to continue that balance.

Filming is reportedly underway across multiple U.S. and international locations, with production crews spotted setting up in both desert and urban environments — a hint that the story’s scale may be broadening.

Sheridan’s Golden Touch

Taylor Sheridan’s creative influence continues to dominate modern television. From Yellowstone and 1883 to Mayor of Kingstown, his ability to build expansive, emotionally charged worlds has earned him comparisons to television’s biggest auteurs.

With Lioness, he has moved beyond ranches and outlaws to a different kind of battlefield — one of intelligence, loyalty, and power. The series combines the grounded realism of Sicario (also co-written by Sheridan) with the emotional depth of Homeland and Bodyguard.

A Star-Studded Return

Between Saldaña’s steely presence, De Oliveira’s breakout performance, and Kidman’s commanding subtlety, Special Ops: Lioness boasts one of television’s most dynamic ensembles. Kidman, who also serves as an executive producer, continues to champion strong, complex roles for women both in front of and behind the camera.

As season two moves through production, excitement is already building online. Fans flooded Kidman’s Instagram comments with messages like “Can’t wait!” and “Queen of espionage!”

If Sheridan’s track record is anything to go by, Special Ops: Lioness season two will be just as explosive, emotional, and addictive as the first.

For now, all signs suggest one thing: the Lioness is back — and she’s ready for war.