Billy Bob Thornton Unpacks ‘Landman’ Season 2: Honest Roles, Oilfield Truths, and On-Screen Chemistry

Billy Bob Thornton Returns: A Role Crafted for Authenticity

Billy Bob Thornton steps back into the boots of Tommy Norris for the second season of Paramount+’s Landman, premiering November 16, 2025. This isn’t just another role for Thornton. As he revealed in a recent press conference, Taylor Sheridan wrote the series specifically with him in mind, inspired by Thornton’s cameo in 1883. “Taylor and I have a very good working relationship,” Thornton shared, adding that Sheridan’s writing resonates because the characters are unapologetically themselves—they say what they feel, and that’s the secret to the show’s international appeal.

Thornton’s approach to Tommy Norris is grounded in a kind of authenticity that blurs the line between actor and character. The opportunity to ad-lib, a freedom Sheridan encourages, allows Thornton to bring his own voice to the role, shaping Tommy into a character who feels lived-in and honest. Thornton explained, “He will allow me to ad-lib if I feel it, which I do quite often. And if he likes it, he keeps it. And if he doesn’t, he dumps it, which is very fair.” This flexibility, combined with Sheridan’s tight scripts, gives the show a unique energy—one that’s neither overtly political nor sanitized.

Oilfield Realities: Grit, Danger, and Second Chances

In preparing for the role, Thornton found himself immersed in the world of oilfield workers—a reality far removed from the boardrooms and corporate gloss often associated with the energy sector. He was struck by how many people in the oil fields come from tough backgrounds: “Maybe you’ve been in prison, you grew up in a rough way, whatever it is, you can’t really get a job in any other place, but they’ll take people out there because the job is so dangerous.” For many, the oilfield is a lifeline, offering pay that’s otherwise unattainable—sometimes as much as $180,000 a year for those willing to risk their lives.

Thornton’s observations shed light on a side of the industry rarely depicted on screen. The show doesn’t shy away from these hard truths, instead offering viewers a “peek behind the curtain,” as Thornton put it. It’s not a celebration or condemnation of oil; it’s a portrait of the people whose lives depend on it. This raw depiction, he argues, is what gives Landman its staying power, much like classics such as Giant or the soap opera Dallas—but with more grit, humor, and emotional range.

On-Screen Chemistry: Life Imitates Art

Thornton’s relationship with Ali Larter, who plays his on-screen wife Angela, is another cornerstone of Landman‘s success. Their dynamic, marked by playful banter and deep familiarity, mirrors their real-life rapport. “She’s not a whole heck of a lot different with me off screen,” he joked. The scenes between Tommy and Angela pulse with a kind of lived-in love—two people who know each other’s tricks, who argue but never lose sight of their connection.

This chemistry isn’t accidental. Thornton credits the writing and the natural ease between himself and Larter for making their exchanges ring true. “We didn’t know each other before season one, but somehow, we just had this thing,” he said. It’s the kind of partnership that animates the show, allowing for moments that are by turns funny, raw, and emotional.

Truth, Humor, and the Art of Television

One of the hallmarks of Landman is its tonal breadth. Thornton notes that unlike Sheridan’s other shows—where action or drama might dominate—Landman blends humor, absurdity, emotion, and danger. “Somehow, we made it real and we made it funny and we made it emotional,” Thornton explained about challenging scenes, emphasizing that the show’s charm lies in its characters’ willingness to speak their minds. “There are no rules. There are no fences here. You know, Taylor writes something because that’s what he feels.”

Even as the show takes artistic license, Thornton insists that its depiction of oilfield life is rooted in reality. He draws a parallel to crime dramas, where the excitement is heightened for audiences. “If you made an actual movie about the oil business and saw what they do, you might get bored after a little while if you don’t throw in some spicy stuff,” he mused. Still, the action sequences in Landman are grounded in truth, offering a window into the real risks and rewards of the industry.

Community Response and Real-Life Connections

Thornton has felt the impact of the show firsthand, especially among oilfield workers and Texans who recognize their world in the series. While technical nitpicking is inevitable—”You would have never used that X14 wrench. You would have used an E32″—he sees it as a sign of engagement. “I don’t write the stuff. I just say it,” he quipped. The broader response, however, has been one of appreciation for the show’s honest, unvarnished perspective.

The second season also brings new layers to Tommy’s relationships, especially with the introduction of Sam Elliott as his father. Thornton describes their dynamic as natural and deeply personal, drawing on their own histories for authenticity. “Sam and I know each other so well, it’s literally just two guys talking to each other,” he said, reflecting on the joy of working with Elliott daily.

Looking Ahead: Growth, Partnership, and Personal Reflection

The evolving partnership between Tommy and Cami (played by Demi Moore) is a key narrative thread in Season 2. With Cami stepping into a leadership role after her husband’s death, Tommy finds himself both mentor and gatekeeper. “I’m the one who knows how to do this. It’s fallen in her lap because of her husband’s passing, and she has a lot to learn,” Thornton explained. The tension between experience and ambition drives much of the show’s drama, forcing both characters to navigate uncharted territory.

For Thornton, Tommy Norris is one of his most personal roles. “Well, a lot of me is in it because if I were an oil guy, I’d probably be kind of like that because I’m sort of playing myself in the thing.” The technical demands of the role were less daunting than those of other projects, like playing a NASA director in Armageddon or an air traffic controller in Pushing Tin. Instead, Tommy is a character shaped by Thornton’s own life and instincts—a man whose every decision feels real because the actor knows exactly where he’s coming from.

As Season 2 premieres, Thornton’s reflections invite viewers to look past the surface of the oil business and see the humanity at its core. Whether it’s the high stakes, the rough backgrounds, or the sharp wit of its characters, Landman stands out as a drama that refuses to flinch from the truth—even when it’s messy, funny, or painful.

With its nuanced storytelling and authentic performances, ‘Landman’ Season 2 proves that television can illuminate hidden worlds, challenge assumptions, and bring viewers closer to the complex lives of ordinary people—reminding us that the real drama often lies in the everyday struggle for dignity and connection.