Following the success of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, the showrunner has launched another Western drama series titled Landman. Starring Billy Bob Thornton in the titular role, Sheridan’s new project has already received positive acclaim for its impactful episodes. Thornton has expressed a remarkable experience collaborating with Sheridan, which stands in stark contrast to Kevin Costner’s past reflections on his time with Yellowstone. While Costner voiced frustrations regarding his working conditions, Thornton painted a much brighter picture of his relationship with Sheridan.
Billy Bob Thornton, an established name in the realm of Western dramas, is not new to the genre. Although he is renowned for his directorial talents, Thornton’s recent role in Landman marks a significant shift as he leads the show as Lt. Tommy Norris. His positive remarks suggest he greatly enjoyed the experience, highlighting the bond and mutual respect he built with Sheridan during their previous collaboration on 1883.
In an interview with Taste of Country, Thornton openly praised Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling style and the dynamics on set. He described their working relationship as smooth, professional, and creatively fulfilling, emphasizing that they both share a writer-director background. “I liked his style of directing,” Thornton stated. “It’s ground that is rich for conflict, but I found it really easy working with him. I think we had a mutual respect.” His comments reflect a sense of freedom in their creative process, something that contrasts with the restrictive nature often felt in large Hollywood productions.
Thornton elaborated on the process, saying, “He likes to cast people sometimes that are just someone he met at the ice cream store. He asks himself, ‘I think this guy would make a good lawyer,’ or whatever.” This spontaneity is refreshing for actors and offers a lively atmosphere conducive to their performances. In his account, Thornton highlighted the professional environment fostered by Sheridan, painting a drama-free and exciting picture of Landman’s production.
However, Thornton’s coherent praise for Sheridan raises eyebrows when juxtaposed with the recent drama surrounding Yellowstone and Kevin Costner. Reports from Vulture reveal that Costner and Sheridan experienced significant fallout while working together. Disagreements regarding scheduling and creative choices led to mounting tensions, ultimately resulting in Costner’s abrupt departure from the series.
In the lead-up to the Yellowstone finale, Costner expressed dissatisfaction with how things unfolded, revealing that the show’s direction increasingly diverged from his vision. The tensions reached a boiling point where major arguments regarding key storylines and character execution—particularly concerning John Dutton—caused irreparable rifts between the actor and the showrunner.
Now, with Billy Bob Thornton lauding Taylor Sheridan, the contrast to Costner’s tumultuous experience is stark. Thornton’s positive sentiments unintentionally accentuate the negative circumstances surrounding Costner’s time on Yellowstone, making the actor’s former complaints appear even less favorable. With both Landman and Yellowstone available for viewing on Paramount+, audiences can appreciate the different atmospheres and collaborative styles seen in each series.
In conclusion, Thornton’s praise for Sheridan significantly underscores the contrasting relationships between actors and showrunners in the industry. As Landman continues to unfold, viewers will likely keep an eye on the evolving dynamics in the world of television, especially in light of recent controversies.
