Recent episodes of Landman had fans worried about the fate of Billy Bob Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris. The concern grew after Tommy was fired by his boss, Cami Miller, played by Demi Moore, in a tense Season 2 scene. This major plot point led many to question if Thornton was leaving the Paramount+ series. However, multiple sources and Thornton’s own comments confirm he is not going anywhere and will return for the already-renewed third season.
Why Fans Thought Billy Bob Thornton Might Leave Landman
The speculation about Thornton’s exit started with key story developments in Season 2. In one episode, Tommy’s son, Cooper Norris, takes over from him as project manager on the important WolfCamp drilling project. This move seemed to reduce Tommy’s central role in the day-to-day oil field operations.
The situation came to a head in Season 2, Episode 9, titled “Plans, Tears and Sirens.” During a high-stakes party, Cami Miller confronts Tommy about his new risk-averse attitude. She tells him that taking risks is essential in the oil business and then delivers the line that shocked viewers: “I’m saying you’re fired.”.
For a show literally named after his character’s profession, this created immediate uncertainty. Fans took to social media to discuss what this could mean for the series’ future without its leading man.
Billy Bob Thornton’s Contract and Commitment to the Show
Despite the on-screen drama, Billy Bob Thornton has been clear about his long-term plans with Landman. In a November 2025 interview, Thornton stated he was signed on to the series for “four or five years” and expressed his desire to stay “for as long as they’ll have me.”.
He has also spoken about how much he enjoys the role. Thornton has said that playing Tommy Norris “fits like a glove,” indicating a strong personal connection to the character. This level of commitment from the lead actor strongly suggests that his firing in the show is a major plot twist, not an off-ramp for the actor.
Thornton’s co-stars also highlight his importance. Jacob Lofland, who plays his on-screen son Cooper, shared that working with Thornton is “so real and raw,” emphasizing the value he brings to the entire cast.
What the Landman Season 2 Finale Could Set Up
The Season 2 finale is scheduled to drop on January 18, 2026. This episode will likely address the immediate fallout from Tommy’s firing and set the stage for Season 3. While creator Taylor Sheridan is known for keeping story details secret, Thornton has hinted at what might come next.
In an interview, Thornton discussed the evolving focus of the seasons: “The first season was so full of action stuff and danger. The second season was full of the family and business relationships… I’d imagine things will come to a head.”.
This suggests that Tommy’s firing could ignite a new, intense phase of the story. Potential directions include Tommy starting his own venture, a deeper conflict with the Gallino drug cartel, or a powerful father-son partnership with Cooper.
Landman’s Popularity Ensures Its Future
A key reason Thornton’s departure is unlikely is the show’s tremendous success. Landman has become a major hit for Paramount+. The Season 2 premiere achieved over 9.2 million streaming views in its first two days, making it the most-watched premiere for any original series in the streamer’s history. This represents a 262 percent increase from the Season 1 premiere numbers.
Given this record-breaking performance, Paramount+ officially renewed Landman for a third season in December 2025. It is highly improbable that the network would make such a significant change to its most successful show. As one industry source noted, you don’t remove the central actor from a “smash hit show” that is in a “constant boom cycle.”.
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The Full Cast Expected for Landman Season 3
With Billy Bob Thornton confirmed to return, fans can also expect the rest of the core cast to continue their stories in West Texas. Alongside Thornton, the ensemble includes:
- Demi Moore as Cami Miller
- Ali Larter as Angela Norris
- Jacob Lofland as Cooper Norris
- Michelle Randolph as Ainsley Norris
- Sam Elliott as T.L. Norris
- Andy Garcia as Gallino
- Kayla Wallace as Rebecca Falcone
The show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, is known for having “big plans” for the series, and the renewal allows these complex character arcs to develop further. While an official release date for Season 3 has not been announced, production is expected to begin in the spring of 2026.
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