Is Morgan Freeman OK? Star skips 'Special Ops: Lioness' UK press tour after contracting 'contagious infection'

Morgan Freeman was supposed to be on the Lioness press tour with Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana
UPDATED JUL 12, 2023
Morgan Freeman has missed a planned press trip to the UK with his 'Special Ops: Lioness' crew (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Morgan Freeman has missed a planned press trip to the UK with his 'Special Ops: Lioness' crew (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Morgan Freeman, 86, was unable to attend a planned press trip to the UK alongside his co-stars Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman for their upcoming spy thriller 'Special Ops: Lioness.' Freeman had fallen ill and developed a "fever" leading doctors to suspect a "contagious infection." Consequently, he decided to remain in the United States to recuperate.

Freeman's absence was conspicuous as Zoe and Nicole diligently fulfilled their promotional duties in London, attending a screening of their Paramount+ show on Tuesday, July 11. The pair also made an appearance on 'The One Show,' where host Alex Jones expressed she was "gutted" over Freeman's absence.

Morgan Freeman backstage during the American Black Film Festival Honors Awards Ceremony at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 23, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
 Morgan Freeman backstage during the American Black Film Festival Honors Awards Ceremony in Beverly Hills, California (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Is Morgan Freeman OK?

In response to inquiries about Freeman's nonattendance, his representative informed, "Morgan has a fever, and his doctor believed he had a contagious infection, so he canceled his trip. He is fine now." It is worth noting that Freeman also manages fibromyalgia, a condition that causes chronic pain and fatigue. Meanwhile, Freeman is actively preparing for the release of his latest project, the Paramount+ series 'Special Ops: Lioness.'

Morgan Freeman receives the Freedom of the City of London at The Guildhall on November 12, 2014 in London, England.
Morgan Freeman receives the Freedom of the City of London at The Guildhall in November 2014, in London (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Introducing 'Special Ops: Lioness'

The spy thriller, inspired by a real-life CIA program, follows the story of marine Joe, played by Zoe Saldana, as she navigates the challenges of her personal and professional life as a key operative in the CIA's war on terror. The show, written by Taylor Sheridan, renowned for his westerns, marks a departure into a new genre for the writer. Freeman who portrays Edwin Mullins, the United States secretary of state, in the highly anticipated series, set to premiere on July 23.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Morgan Freeman (@morganfreeman)


 

His co-stars, Zoe and Nicole, have been extensively engaged in promotional activities, attending a photocall at IET London and a screening at Tate Britain. The show's cast also includes Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly, Bassem Youssef, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur, and Hannah Love Lanier. Moreover, Zoe and Nicole have taken on executive producer roles for the series, which was produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exclusively for Paramount+. The premiere will feature the first two episodes, followed by a weekly release of subsequent episodes, with the series finale scheduled for September 3. 

RELATED TOPICS NICOLE KIDMAN MORGAN FREEMAN

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

John Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second Emmys acceptance speech on live television after he roasted host Nate Bargatze
Sep 15, 2025
Kevin Hart doesn't appreciate paparazzi’s question after viral video of him hosting Diddy’s party resurfaces
Apr 6, 2025
Diddy’s childhood friend Tim Patterson claims Janice Combs’s wild parties often involved pimps, homosexuals, and other adult activities
Apr 6, 2025
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson tied the knot in 1994, but she initially thought the King of Pop was a creep—and we totally get why
Apr 6, 2025
Riley Keough opens up about the Presley family curse in a candid interview while on tour for her book, 'From Here to the Great Unknown'
Apr 5, 2025
Natalie Morales hits back after her interview with Seth Meyers is removed from all platforms due to a revealing outfit
Apr 5, 2025
"Babyface, can you believe she wants me to dress like a girl?" Michael Jackson told a producer.
Apr 2, 2025
Sofia Vergara also dished out on why she doesn't ever want to play Modern Family's Gloria again
Apr 2, 2025
"It took more and more to get high, and I honestly don't know when your body decides it can't deal with it anymore," Lisa Marie Presley wrote.
Apr 1, 2025
A family member's last-minute intervention saved Michael Jackson from the 9/11 tragedy—here’s what happened
Apr 1, 2025