Josephina “Josie” Carrillo is a brave and skilled helicopter pilot in the US Army. She is a dedicated soldier who becomes part of the Lioness program, a secret mission to gather intelligence. Josie is asked to infiltrate her own family, suspected of criminal activities. Her character is portrayed by Genesis Rodriguez in the Paramount+ series Lioness.

Trivia/Facts

• Josie Carrillo, known as Josephina, is a brave soldier and skilled helicopter pilot. She graduated from West Point in 2015 and became a captain in the US Army Air Cavalry. Her call sign is “Thunder,” and she completed four tours in Afghanistan. Josie is portrayed by Genesis Rodriguez in the Paramount+ series Lioness.
• Josie meets Joe at a Forward Operating Base in Northern Iraq after saving her team. Joe recruits her into the Lioness program, giving her a high-risk mission. Her task involves investigating her father, suspected of money laundering. Josie claims ignorance of her family’s ties to the Los Tigres Cartel and their illegal activities.
• At Fort Bliss, Josie begins her rigorous training for the Lioness program. She practices shooting, runs simulation courses, and faces tactical challenges. Despite her skills, she struggles with the tactical simulator and faces Joe’s criticism. Joe discovers that Josie lied about her knowledge of her family’s criminal actions.
• Josie is sent home to confront her family and gather critical information. Cruz helps convince her that stopping her family is the right decision. Josie’s mission includes presenting her father with a choice to cooperate with the CIA. At dinner, she reconnects with her family, preparing for the confrontation.

Genesis Rodriguez and Laysla De Oliveira in Lioness (2023)

• Josie reveals her father’s and uncle’s involvement in illegal activities to him. Her father reacts violently, slapping and threatening her. Cruz intervenes, forcing him to accept the deal for his family’s safety. This moment proves Josie’s courage and loyalty to her mission.
• After returning to Fort Liberty, Josie confides in Cruz about her father’s abuse. Cruz reassures her, highlighting her father’s true nature. Their bond deepens, leading to a near kiss and sharing intimate moments. Josie and Cruz support each other, balancing their personal and professional lives.

Josie Carrillo’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Joe: Joe recruits Josie into the Lioness program after she proves her skills in combat. Their relationship is built on trust and loyalty, with Joe guiding Josie through difficult decisions.
• Cruz: Cruz becomes Josie’s close ally and confidante during her mission. Their relationship deepens as they share personal moments and support each other emotionally. They also develop a romantic connection as the series progresses.

Genesis Rodriguez and Demián Castro in Lioness (2023)

• Her Father: Josie has a complicated relationship with her father, who is involved in criminal activities. She is shocked when he becomes violent towards her, revealing his true nature. Despite the tension, Josie tries to handle the situation carefully, torn between family loyalty and her mission.
• Her Mother: Josie has a more affectionate relationship with her mother, but her mission creates distance. She reconnects with her mother during her visit home, although the underlying tension remains due to her father’s actions.
• Her Uncle: Josie’s uncle, leader of the Los Tigres Cartel, is a key part of her family’s involvement in the criminal activities. Josie denies knowing him or his operations, trying to distance herself from his actions.