Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris in Landman
Season 2 of Landman may have wrapped up its run, but Billy Bob Thornton isn’t done talking — especially when it comes to the assumptions surrounding Taylor Sheridan and why his shows often get sidelined during awards season.
Speaking in a new interview, Thornton reflected on his work as Tommy, the sharp-tongued oil executive who remains the emotional and thematic anchor of the series even as the story shifts from business deals to family tensions. It’s a role that fits Thornton like a glove: brash, funny, brutally honest, and allergic to pretense. When asked why Landman — and Sheridan’s broader slate of shows — sometimes seem underrepresented in awards conversations despite massive popularity, Thornton gave a opinion on why he thought that was. “I think a lot of it’s political. I really do. I think some people assume Taylor is some sort of right-wing guy or something, and he’s really not. Even with this show being about the oil business, he just shows you what it’s like. He’s not saying ‘Rah, rah, rah for oil.’ It’s just the people who work in this business or who are affected by this business… this is what happens.” According to Thornton, the misunderstanding comes from confusing depiction with endorsement — something Sheridan has long resisted. “It’s a world of gambling, and you never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “But I think people got the wrong idea about that.” What Is the Toughest Part of Filming 'Landman'? Thornton also spoke at length about what made Season 2 particularly challenging — and rewarding — from an acting standpoint. Having to be fiery with Sam Elliott was one challenge, whereas Andy Garcia was happy to go toe-to-toe. “Some of the hardest stuff I had to do was when I had to be abrupt to, or even mean with, Sam Elliott. Sam and I are old, old friends… Sometimes, knowing the other human, it’s not as easy to just go for it, but you have to. Andy and I are both sort of known for that. Andy probably improvised more than I did… When you get into a confrontation, I think the adrenaline of the moment just takes over.” Thornton credited Sheridan’s writing for making those dynamics work, pointing out that one of the creator’s greatest strengths is giving every character a distinct voice. “One of the most brilliant things Taylor’s done with his shows is he has very strong individual characters with their own voices,” Thornton said. “Some writers write with their own voice for every character. Each person on this show is their own thing.” Subscribe to the newsletter for insider Landman insight Want deeper takes? Subscribing to the newsletter gives focused coverage of Landman, Taylor Sheridan's shows, and the award-season conversation - interviews, acting and character analysis, and behind-the-scenes perspective to deepen your appreciation of TV craft. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. Landman streams now on Paramount+. 5 10 Landman Like Follow Followed TV-MA Drama Release Date November 17, 2024 Network Paramount Writers Taylor Sheridan, Christian Wallace Cast See All
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