Billy Bob Thornton, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor, recently attended the premiere of his new series “Landman” at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. In an engaging interview, Thornton shared his excitement about the character he portrays, which was specifically crafted for him by co-creator Taylor Sheridan after his cameo in “1883.” Thornton recounted how Sheridan described the character’s voice and world, stating, “He said, ‘I have your voice.’ And he did. When I read the scripts, I could hear myself saying all this stuff.”
“Landman” is set to premiere with two episodes on Sunday on Paramount+. The series draws inspiration from the podcast “Boomtown” by Christian Wallace and delves into the complexities and human stories within the oil and gas industry in West Texas. Thornton was drawn to this project due to its rare exploration of a contentious yet crucial industry often criticized for environmental impact. He pointed out that the narrative does not take a one-sided approach but presents multiple perspectives on the topic, showcasing the industry’s complexities.
Thornton highlighted a pivotal debate in the show between his character, Tommy, and his lawyer, Rebecca, discussing the merits and drawbacks of various energy sources in the modern world. The character of Tommy finds himself managing the tensions between personal and professional temptations — navigating the gritty realities of life while also forging connections with characters like Monty, his old friend and oil company owner, portrayed by Jon Hamm.
The show aspires to reflect the multifaceted nature of life, incorporating both humor and drama, much like real life does. Thornton emphasized the importance of balancing serious topics with lighter moments, noting that human experiences often encompass a range of emotions.
The ensemble cast also includes Ali Larter as Tommy’s flamboyant ex-wife, his self-absorbed daughter played by Michelle Randolph, and his ambitious son portrayed by Jacob Lofland, who hopes to carve out his own place in the industry. With a diverse array of characters representing various views on energy and industry risks, “Landman” is set to engage audiences on multiple levels.
In summary, “Landman” not only promises to entertain but also to spark conversations about the evolving energy sector and its implications. Thornton’s reflection on the balance of life suggests a hopeful narrative, where individual stories threaded with humor and heart might foster greater understanding and dialogue surrounding pivotal issues of our time. As viewers tune in, they may find that the show challenges perspectives while revealing the humanity behind the headlines.