The star of the hit Paramount+ series Landman, Billy Bob Thornton, is not holding back his praise for the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan. At a recent Hollywood screening, the actor spoke openly about why working on the oil drama has been such a positive experience.
Thornton, who plays the crisis executive Tommy Norris, shared his honest thoughts on the set environment. He explained that his trust in the project runs deep, from the writing all the way down to the technical team on the ground.
“I trust this show a lot. I trust Taylor and I trust the castmates. I trust our crew. Honestly, I wish I had, like, a creepy story or a complaint, but I don’t. I mean, it’s just, it’s a lovely time. It’s great.”
These comments came during a panel discussion on April 16, 2026, where Thornton revealed that his relationship with Sheridan goes beyond just professional respect. He noted that the two enjoy spending time together once the cameras stop rolling.
“I love working with Taylor. I love hanging out with him after hours. He’s such a brilliant guy, great writer, and I love his company.”
The Best Crew in the Business
Thornton was quick to highlight the technical staff working on Landman. The actor has been in the industry for decades, starring in films like Sling Blade and Fargo. Despite his long career, he claims this group is unmatched.
“I have never worked with a crew as good as the crew that we have on Landman ever, once,” Thornton declared during the panel. He added that you “can’t find a bad apple in the bunch,” calling them genuinely lovely people.
Embracing the Mystery of the Script
One unique aspect of working with Taylor Sheridan is how the scripts are handled. Thornton explained that Sheridan often keeps plot details quiet until the last minute. While some actors might find this frustrating, Thornton sees it as a benefit.
He shared that in real life, people do not know what is coming next, so the method feels very natural. He said, “Taylor keeps it pretty close to the vest. He doesn’t really tell us until the last minute. Some actors like that, some actors don’t. I personally love it.”
A Friendship Forged in Texas
Thornton’s entry into Sheridan’s world happened through the 1883 prequel. He played a small role there before landing the lead in Landman. The actor recalled reading the script for the oil drama and instantly knowing he wanted to be part of it.
“I like this. I like it very much,” Thornton remembered thinking when he first saw the material.
The respect is mutual. Sheridan has allowed Thornton some freedom with the dialogue. Thornton mentioned that Sheridan told him, “Look, you’re a writer, you’re a director. You get this stuff. We’re partners in this.” Although Sheridan usually sticks to the script, Thornton noted that he occasionally throws in a line, and if Sheridan likes it, it stays.
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An Emotional Reunion with Sam Elliott
The conversation also turned to the addition of Sam Elliott in the second season. Elliott plays the on-screen father of Thornton’s character. The casting was an emotional moment for Thornton, who has a long history with the Western icon.
Thornton recalled getting the phone call from Sheridan. When he heard the news, he went straight to his wife, Connie, with tears in his eyes. “I was literally crying when I told her… because I love this guy,” Thornton admitted.
He described the two of them as being like “kinfolks,” suggesting fans can expect to see more scenes between the two veterans in the upcoming episodes.
Looking at the Show’s Massive Success
Landman has become a giant hit for Paramount+. The first season averaged 15.8 million viewers. The second season premiere broke records, pulling in 9.2 million views globally, making it the biggest premiere in the streamer’s history.
The show has already been renewed for a third season. Thornton has signed on for multiple years, stating he wants to do Landman “as long as I’m able” or until the story finishes.
Defending the Creator
Beyond the set, Thornton has been defending Sheridan against critics in Hollywood. He recently spoke out about why he thinks award shows often ignore Sheridan’s work.
Thornton suggested it might be political, as some people assume Sheridan has a specific political leaning. “I think a lot of it’s political. I really do,” Thornton told Variety. He argued that Sheridan simply shows life as it is, without pushing an agenda.
With season two already streaming and season three on the horizon, Billy Bob Thornton shows no signs of slowing down. If his enthusiasm for the project is any sign, the oil fields of West Texas will remain a popular destination for television audiences for years to come.
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