Zoe Saldaña, taking on the challenging role in Lioness, a spy drama by Taylor Sheridan, where she plays Joe, a programme director for the CIA’s Lioness programme, opposite actors like Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman, said her motivation for joining the cast was the opportunity it offered to confront her struggles with dyslexia and anxiety. This challenge required a higher level of preparation, allowing her to push her boundaries in a way she hadn’t before, she said.
Saldaña said Lioness presented a unique opportunity to ‘dare’ herself by taking on a role that required overcoming her anxiety and addressing the complexities of dyslexia. She said Sheridan’s dialogue-heavy writing style and its complex, rhythmic dialogue inspired her to hone her focus even further. Preparing for these demanding scripts, she had to memorise lines down to the cadence of each sentence, essentially making the script an extension of herself.
Saldaña said her husband Marco Perego, and their children played an integral role in her journey. She dedicated long hours to rehearsals and hired someone to break down lines with her over Zoom well in advance of filming. The exhaustive preparation allowed her to feel “120% ready” for each scene, which helped alleviate her anxiety and empower her to take on new creative risks. Zoe Saldaña noted that, for her, memorising and internalising lines became like performing ballet movements, as her brain translated words into a dance-like rhythm.
Also Read: Overcome frozen shoulder stiffness with 5 gentle movements
Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects language processing, can make fast-paced, last-minute changes especially overwhelming. Saldaña shared that while she was often ready for every prepared line, the real difficulty arose when a scene’s dialogue shifted unexpectedly. These moments, she said, activated ‘dyslexia 2.0’— a heightened difficulty level demanding even more mental agility.
Despite the difficulties, Saldaña found that engaging with these challenges helped her manage her dyslexia and reduce her anxiety. By focusing on what she could control — her preparation and commitment — Saldaña learned to embrace the uncertainties of the filming process. The experience showed her that preparedness could significantly lessen the weight of her anxiety, giving her the confidence to step into new roles and stretch her limits.
Saldaña’s aspirations don’t end here. She wants to direct and described directing as an intense, long-term commitment that would require her undivided attention for years, due to which she is waiting for her children to grow up. For now, she prioritises being present for her kids, choosing to focus on roles that allow her to strike a balance between her career and family life. Zoe admitted that being away from her children for extended periods was particularly hard, for the emotional toll it took was ‘intolerable.’
The Marvel star said she wanted to avoid any situation where her family felt her absence. This deeply personal approach to balancing family with her professional ambitions reflects her dedication to staying grounded and maintaining a strong support system, even as she takes on more demanding roles.
By choosing to tackle a character as demanding as Joe in Lioness, Zoe Saldaña demonstrates that actors with learning differences and mental health struggles can still excel in complex, dialogue-driven roles using the power of determination, support, and relentless practice, inspiring viewers and fans alike to pursue their passions despite obstacles in life.
Zoe Saldaña’s story resonates with countless individuals facing similar hurdles and underscores the importance of resilience. By addressing her struggles openly and taking on roles that push her limits, Saldaña is championing a message that deserves to be heard, that with the right kind of mental strength and support system, anything is achievable.
