Laysla De Oliveira Reveals How Lioness Training Changed Her Life

Laysla De Oliveira says three seasons of Lioness have transformed both her body and mindset as the actress embraced demanding military-style training for Taylor Sheridan's hit Paramount+ spy thriller.

From Undercover Agent to Full-Blown Action Star

Laysla De Oliveira never expected to become an action star. Before landing the role of Cruz Manuelos, she admits she barely spent time lifting weights. That changed quickly once the series demanded increasingly physical performances.
During the first season, Cruz primarily operated undercover, limiting the number of large-scale combat scenes. Season two shifted the character into a Delta Force operator, dramatically increasing the physical demands placed on the actress.
By the time season three arrived, De Oliveira already understood what was required. She focused on building strength and endurance to handle the heavy tactical gear, body armor, helmets, and weapons used throughout filming.
"If you're not ready, you don't survive," she said while describing the demanding preparation required before cameras even begin rolling.

Military Training Goes Beyond Fitness

According to De Oliveira, training isn't simply about looking convincing on screen. The physical preparation allows actors to safely carry military equipment while running, fighting, and performing long action sequences under extreme conditions.
She explained that learning how to breathe while wearing a heavy tactical vest in intense heat became just as important as mastering combat choreography. Every movement must become second nature before production begins.
Ahead of each season, the cast attends an intensive boot camp at Taylor Sheridan's ranch. There, performers train with specialists, practice close-quarters combat, and memorize tactical positioning so they're prepared once scripts are finalized.

How Cruz Changed Her Everyday Life

After three seasons, De Oliveira says parts of Cruz have naturally followed her off set.
She laughed that she now enters unfamiliar rooms instinctively thinking about how they could be cleared if necessary, describing the experience as something that has completely reshaped how her brain processes situations.
"I went from a girly pop to a girly pop who now walks into a room and tries to figure out how to clear it if necessary," she joked.

Seven Cameras Mean There's No Time to Relax

Filming Lioness requires constant focus because multiple cameras often capture scenes simultaneously. Unlike traditional productions, there is rarely a moment when only one actor is being filmed.
That means every performer must remain fully engaged throughout every take. If an actor needs to reload a weapon or react to changing action, they must stay in character because a camera could be capturing the moment from any angle.

Realistic Weapons Come With Serious Safety Rules

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De Oliveira stressed that safety remains the production's highest priority despite the show's realistic action.
The series uses blank-firing weapons, making extensive military training essential. Cast members learn strict handling procedures, including lowering weapons immediately whenever another person crosses their line of fire.
Military advisers are available throughout production, and actors are encouraged to seek extra practice before filming if they feel uncertain about any sequence.

Taylor Sheridan's Coaching Left a Lasting Mark

De Oliveira also praised creator Taylor Sheridan for helping shape her performance from the beginning of the series.
She recalled that during the first season, Sheridan personally worked through every scene with her, calling him an exceptional acting coach whose guidance helped elevate both her confidence and performance.
The actress believes working on Lioness has expanded her abilities as both a performer and an action star while preparing her for increasingly demanding roles in the future.