Actor Billy Bob Thornton reflects on international Landman success as the show becomes a global sensation, admitting during a recent interview in North Hollywood that he relies on his wife, Connie Angland, for updates about the widespread reaction to the Paramount+ series. Despite the enthusiasm from audiences around the world, Thornton confessed to feeling anxious about reading reviews himself, letting his wife act as a filter for public sentiment about his role as Tommy Norris.
Surprised by Worldwide Popularity
Sitting down with Gold Derby at the Saban Media Center before a special screening, Billy Bob Thornton described the unexpected reach of Landman, originally anticipating strong but regional success. Playing the role of Texas oil landman Tommy Norris, he acknowledged the drama’s swift rise, saying the production team, led by Taylor Sheridan, had hoped for popularity among Middle America viewers but did not foresee its status as an international hit.
Thornton’s experience was shaped by ongoing updates from his team and, most consistently, his wife Connie Angland, who keeps track of articles and interviews about the series. Married for over a decade, Angland gives Thornton regular summaries of media coverage, even when he prefers to avoid the spotlight.
The Challenge of Handling Feedback
Thornton admits that facing critical response remains intimidating. He explains that even positive attention can feel loaded or insincere at times, revealing the nuanced relationship actors have with public opinion.
“She’ll look at it, and say, ‘There’s this article out,’ I say, ‘Please don’t read it to me.’ She’ll go, ‘It’s all good.’ I say, ‘I still don’t want to hear it.’”
—Billy Bob Thornton, Lead Actor
He acknowledged how even seemingly encouraging remarks sometimes carry hidden barbs or ambiguities, illustrating the complexity beneath industry praise.
“A lot of times, it’s something that might sound good to somebody else, but you read between the lines and you go, ‘I’m not sure. That might have been a kind of left-handed compliment.’”
—Billy Bob Thornton, Lead Actor
Landman’s Star-Studded Ensemble
The critically acclaimed cast driving Landman’s success includes Demi Moore, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, and Andy Garcia. Jon Hamm and Michelle Randolph also appeared in the first season, further cementing the series’ reputation for high-profile talent. According to Thornton, creator Taylor Sheridan consulted him on casting ideas, but Sheridan had clear intentions for each character from the outset.
“[Taylor] was pretty good about letting me know who he was looking at for certain parts.”
—Billy Bob Thornton, Lead Actor
Although Thornton didn’t influence most casting decisions, he did play a part in bringing longtime friend Mark Collie into the fold as Sheriff Walt Joeberg.
Working with Longtime Friends
The collaborative spirit of Landman is enhanced by longstanding relationships among the cast. Thornton highlighted the unique experience of acting alongside veteran performers like Moore and Garcia, building on personal friendships that predate the show by decades.
“We’ve known each other for years.”
—Billy Bob Thornton, Lead Actor
Andy Garcia, who portrays cartel leader Galino, described the cast as forming a close-knit community during filming.
“Actors are like a gypsy troupe,”
—Andy Garcia, Actor
Demi Moore recalled a particularly memorable scene shot with Thornton over thirty-five years ago, evoking a sense of nostalgia about their careers and the camaraderie shared on set.
“It was a big scene in the casino,”
—Demi Moore, Actress
“Rolling dice, pool tables, drinking beer … just the things we’re still doing,”
—Demi Moore, Actress
Creating a Family Atmosphere
Jacob Lofland, who takes on the role of Thornton’s on-screen son Cooper Norris, praised Thornton’s relaxed leadership in Texas, which helped ease nerves and nurture a family-like atmosphere among the cast off set as well.
“Just as much off-screen as we do on.”
—Jacob Lofland, Actor
He elaborated on the bonds that extend beyond their work, crediting regular social gatherings after filming with building an environment that feels more like a family than a workplace.
“We’ll always get together and have a drink at the end, talk about the day, talk about what’s coming up. So we really are like a family.”
—Jacob Lofland, Actor
Looking Ahead to Season Two
Now, with filming well underway for its second season, Landman has welcomed acclaimed actor Sam Elliott to the ensemble. Billy Bob Thornton announced to a cheering 600-seat crowd at the screening event that the new season is set to premiere in November.
“Looks like it’s going to be a Scorpio!”
—Billy Bob Thornton, Lead Actor
As anticipation builds for the return of the Yellowstone franchise creator Taylor Sheridan’s latest drama, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see how Landman continues to expand its global impact. Thornton, supported by his wife Connie Angland and a stellar cast, remains both cautious and grateful as the show carries its Texas-rooted story to audiences worldwide.
