‘Landman’ Cast Talk Season 2 And What They Would Tell Their Characters

Sam Elliott, Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter at the “Landman” Season 2 Los Angeles Screening held at the Ted Mann Theater on October 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Variety via Getty Images

How the West was won takes on a whole new meaning in the hit Paramount+ drama series, Landman. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Sam Elliott, Ali Larter and many other talented actors, Landman centers around eccentric cowboys and billionaires in West Texas, as they compete to strike gold – and by that, I mean oil.

Returning November 16 for its second season, expect more scandal, more cut-throat business negotiations and even more humor, as these wide array of characters strive to look out for their own well-being while often caught up in the chaos of the happenings around them.

Created by Yellowstone television universe mastermind Taylor Sheridan, as well as Christian Wallace, I sat down with Wallace and several of the stars of Landman, wondering in their own opinions, what makes Landman’s continuing story, its ensemble cast and the overall production value something special within our modern television landscape.

Thornton, who plays Tommy on Landman, said, “Well, it does – it does feel special. It feels special to us and evidently to the audience because it’s become a huge international hit. We didn’t really expect that, at first, but it strikes a chord with people. I think it’s because the characters are well-drawn. Taylor writes wonderful stories and dialogue, and he knows how to cast the right people. We’ve got a bunch of crazy individuals in this thing and I think people like to watch characters who are full-of themselves. It’s a very honest show. It’s honest in its humor, its drama, its emotion, its danger and its absurdity. Whatever you are into, it goes full tilt, and I think people respond to that.”

Co-creator Wallace said of Landman’s unique presence in television lately, “I mean, you’re working with – it’s stacked with legends and to see them play off of each other, it’s really exciting to watch. I mean, whether it’s Demi and Billy playing off of each other, or Sam or Andy, they bring so much to it. So yes, Taylor’s writing is incredible and great, but then when you also hand it off to these actors, they’re going to add their depth, their nuances, their quirks to it. It just works. Everyone really makes sense in this world.”

Larter, who plays Angela on Landman, said, “I think that with our cast, there’s something special that Taylor does when he chooses the actors that come on his shows. He just knows some kind of magic potion, because not only do we get along off-set – on-camera, it just kind of enhances all of our relationships. You can feel the complexities that we all have because of the time that we put in for our show. Everyone on our show is really an amazing person and we love our crew.”

Elliott, who plays the new season two character T.L., said of Landman’s special ways, “I think every time somebody opens their mouth having to do with anything about this, the first two words are Taylor Sheridan. It’s the truth. He’s a brilliant man and he has this gift of when he puts pen to paper, that special things happen.”

Garcia said, who plays Gallino throughout Landman season two, after being introduced to audiences in the season one finale, “Listen – as an actor, when someone like Taylor Sheridan calls you and says, I want to write this part for you in your voice and your sort of spirit. I mean, that’s like – Okay, when do we start? I’m jumping in, you know? I’m all in. I have no worries. Whatever you write, I’ll play.”

Rising young Hollywood star Michelle Randolph, who plays Ainsley on Landman, said of the show’s special sauce, “I mean, the many different tones in the show. It mixes drama and comedy, and there’s so many really distinct characters – and also family. Everyone can relate to family – the chaos that family is and that’s what our show centers around.”

Jacob Lofland, who plays Cooper on Landman, said, “We’ve got an absolutely loaded cast of legends that are phenomenal in their craft and what they do. We’re fortunate enough to be able to work with them and tell the story that hasn’t been told in a way that it’s never really been talked about. So, I think that’s really what makes it stand out, is there’s nothing else like it.”

Paulina Chávez, who plays Ariana on Landman, said of the inner-workings of the show, “The connections that we all have with each other and the crew – the crew is amazing. We’re all just so passionate about what we’re doing and the work that we’re telling. The stories are just so compelling and there’s so much depth to them, that it’s so easy to love the show. I think that’s what translates onto the screen. It’s just how much love we have for it.”

Now after embodying these multi-layered Landman characters, I asked this creative team my signature interview question, wondering what they would say to their intriguing television characters, if only they could. What do they feel that they need to hear, that they would love to tell them?

Larter said with a laugh, “I would tell Angela – You are right! The whole world is three drinks behind.”

Chávez said, “I feel like I learned so much from Ariana. I feel like just accept the love you deserve.”

Lofland said with Cooper in mind, “Slow down and do your research.”

Randolph said, “God, what would I say to Ainsley? I’d say – I wish I was as carefree as you. Always be who you are and maybe you should really just go enjoy college and try to make new friends and expand your horizons.”

Garcia said with Gallino in mind, “Keep it up, young man! You’re doing okay. Stay out of trouble. Keep your chin up!”

Thornton said, “I would tell Tommy to relax. Take three or four days, go to Hawaii by himself.”

Elliott concluded with T.L. in mind, “Toughen up a little bit. He’s a broken man. He failed himself, he failed his family and he’s in a really dark place right in the beginning. The great gift of it is there’s this evolution in this character that he gets a chance to break out of that and make amends with himself, as well as make amends with his family.”