Demi Moore stars in Landman Afrikaans dub on kykNET. [Image Source: HELLOMAGAZINE]
Paramount’s popular West Texas oil drama, Landman, is now available in Afrikaans, premiering on kykNET from Sunday, 22 February. The series, known for its gripping depiction of the Texas oil rush, features Hollywood stars Demi Moore and Billy Bob Thornton speaking in Afrikaans, bringing a fresh voice to South African audiences. This Afrikaans dub is one of the few versions offered worldwide, highlighting the show’s growing international appeal.
Despite Charlize Theron’s joking remark that “only about 44 people” still speak Afrikaans, the series is expected to attract many viewers who will enjoy the drama in their mother tongue.
What to Expect from Landman on Mzansi Screens
Beginning later this month, South African viewers will experience Landman’s intense portrayal of the ruthless oil business in West Texas, with local voices replacing the original performances. Fans can follow Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, as he navigates the challenging role of a landman—a negotiator between oil companies and landowners. The show’s setting on the Texas-Mexico border introduces complex interactions between legitimate enterprises and drug cartels, adding tension to the storyline.
Waldimar Pelser, M-Net Director of Premium Channels, expressed high hopes for the Afrikaans adaptation:
“We are very excited to see how viewers will react to Landman – both those who will be watching the series for the first time, and those who have already seen the show in English on M-Net and now want to experience it in their mother tongue,”
he said.
However, he cautioned viewers about the harsh environment featured in the show:
Image of: Demi Moore
“it gets rather hot down there in Texas at times!”
Behind the Scenes: The Creators and Vision of Landman
Landman was created by Christian Wallace and Taylor Sheridan, figures known for major works like Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923. Sheridan brings his signature style of rich, character-driven storytelling set against a tough, rugged landscape. In Landman, he explores the dynamics of West Texas’ oil boom through intertwined stories of billionaires, workers, and landowners.
The show has a tone distinct from other famous Texan dramas; rather than echoing the slick corporate tussles of Dallas or the intense darkness of films like There Will Be Blood or Killers of the Flower Moon, Landman strikes a balance with its “dusty, dirt-under-your-nails type tale,” as noted by Medium’s Mohammed Brukner.
Billy Bob Thornton’s Role as Tommy Norris
Billy Bob Thornton stars as Tommy Norris, an experienced landman at M-Tex Oil. His role involves brokering deals between oil companies and landowners while handling legal and ethical challenges amid intense pressure from both corporate bosses and criminal elements. The job requires deft negotiation skills and the ability to balance competing interests in a volatile environment on Texas’s border with Mexico.
Introducing the Afrikaans Voice Cast and Their Characters
The Afrikaans dub involved a skilled team of translators, including Morné Coetzer, Janine Opperman, and Francois le Roux, who successfully captured the show’s atmosphere. The dubbing directors, Rina Nienaber and De Waal Stemmet, oversaw the production, ensuring the voices matched the series’ tone and depth.
De Waal Stemmet voices Tommy Norris, the central figure of Landman. His ex-wife Angela, mother to their two children Cooper and Ainsley, is brought to life by Natasja Jacobs. Monty Miller, owner of M-Tex Oil and central to Tommy’s story, is voiced by Charl van Heyningen, while Monty’s wife Cami is voiced by Renske Jacobs.
Supporting Characters in the Afrikaans Version
Cooper, voiced by Rowlen von Gericke, is a geology student who left his studies to work on the oilfields for M-Tex.
Ainsley, voiced by Anré Buguegnon, is a high schooler and Tommy and Angela’s daughter.
Rebecca Falcone, played by Sue Pyler, is the lawyer working for M-Tex Oil.
Dale Bradley, the petroleum engineer and Tommy’s close friend, is voiced by Antowan Nöthling.
Nathan, the M-Tex attorney and administrator, is voiced by Jakkie Groenewald.
Ariana Medina, a young widow whose husband died in an on-site accident, is voiced by Claudia Jones.
Upcoming Seasons and Billy Bob Thornton’s Continuing Role
Filming for Landman started in Fort Worth, Texas, in February 2024. The series premiered with its first two episodes on 17 November 2024, quickly gaining international attention. The initial season ran for 10 episodes, concluding on 12 January 2025, and the second season has just commenced production. In December 2025, the contract for a third season was already secured, ensuring the show’s future.
Despite rumours that Billy Bob Thornton might leave after two seasons, the actor denied them firmly in a USA Today interview, dismissing such stories as “AI-generated crap.”
Landman’s Broadcast Details for South African Viewers
Landman premieres in Afrikaans on kykNET (DStv channel 144) on Sunday, 22 February at 9 pm. The series will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up, with an age restriction of 16 due to mature content. This move not only broadens access to the show but also signals respect for South Africa’s linguistic diversity by offering a premium drama in an indigenous language.
