Behind The Scenes Of “Landman”: An In-Depth Interview with the Main Cast

Landman is a compelling TV drama series set in oil country in Texas created by acclaimed writer and director Taylor Sheridan, known for his work on Yellowstone and Sicario. He’s accompanied by Christian Wallace (host of the Boomtown podcast). Set against the backdrop of the oil industry, the show explores the high-stakes dynamics of ambition, family, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in dangerous professions.

As audiences worldwide tune in to Landman, the main cast discuss their thoughts into the show’s conception, its unique characters, and the powerful narratives that have resonated with millions of viewers. We recently caught up with some of the leading actors behind the series, including Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, Demi Moore as Cami Miller, Ali Larter as Angela Norris, and Jacob Lofland as Cooper Norris.

The Journey of Landman

Billy Bob Thornton remarks on the success of the show clocking over 35 million viewers. “It’s rare for a project to resonate so deeply with viewers. For many, it feels like they found a family in these characters,” he notes passionately. “The characters say what they think and feel without holding back. That authenticity is something viewers are craving.” He adds that viewers love the Norris family and live vicariously through them.

Demi Moore adds, “The fact that people are talking about our characters and how they relate to their own lives is a testament to how well this story is told. We’ve created a world that feels very familiar, yet excitingly complex.”

A Deep Dive into Complex Characters and Themes

As the discussion progressed, the cast delved into the complexity of the show’s characters and their unfiltered natures.

“The show doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable. We present characters who say what they think and feel without filters. It’s raw and real—something that people can connect with,” Thornton continues. “A lot of feedback I’ve received has been about the family dynamics observed in the series. It’s about people being unabashedly who they really are.”

Ali Larter chimes in, “What strikes me is how the characters are reflective of real-life complexities. They face relatable challenges that resonate with audiences, whether it’s love, loss, or the struggles of their professions. Angela (Larter’s character) is a lot of women, but she has a lot of heart, which we appreciate.” Audiences can also see the cost of making a living in the oil business through her eyes.

“There’s so many different tones that we’re going into in way that Taylor Sheridan writes his shows. You get to see these moments of Angela, where she’s incredibly vulnerable. You see her fighting to keep her family together.”

Demi Moore emphasizes how the show tackles significant issues while also maintaining a sense of levity. “While we touch on serious topics—like the dangers associated with the work we depict—there’s always room for humor and lightness. That mix helps humanize the narrative,” she shares. “We’re living in a time where people want to laugh as much as they want to cry.”

Andy Garcia plays the role of the villain, Gallino. He recalls there was no acting preparation required with Billy Bob Thornton. “We just stepped in and serviced the material.” He comments on Sheridan’s out of the box writing because it was never clear whether Gallino and Tommy would become friends or remain rivals.

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Real Stories, Real Emotion

Another highlight of the conversation was the portrayal of dangerous professions depicted in Landman.

“The authenticity really seems to resonate,” Thornton says. “A lot of working folks have come up to us—oil workers, businessmen—who tell us how much they appreciate that we’re showcasing their lives realistically.”

Jacob Lofland adds to this, recalling a particular encounter. “A crusty old Texas oil guy came up to me and said, ‘Man, I’m glad you’re all doing this show for us,’ and it really clicked. He even corrected a minor detail about never using a particular wrench on that valve, but it was clear he’s invested in how we’re portraying their world.”

Moore adds, “It’s gratifying when characters reflect the truth of these experiences. The attention to detail is crucial to our success. The audience knows when something is acted and when it rings true to life.”

Surprising Cameos: Jerry Jones 

One of the memorable moments discussed was Thornton’s scene with NFL team owner Jerry Jones.

“Jerry is such a larger-than-life figure,” Thornton shares. “When he shared his story about becoming the owner of the Dallas Cowboys and his experiences in the oil industry, it felt genuine. He tapped into real emotions, which added depth to the scene.”

Moore emphasizes the authenticity of Jones’ performance, saying, “It was one of the best performances I’ve ever witnessed from someone who isn’t a trained actor. His passion and emotion were infectious, and it felt like we weren’t just acting. We were witnessing a real moment.”

Lofland remarks, “The fact that Jerry was able to speak from his own experiences brought an authenticity that scripted dialogue sometimes lacks. It was incredibly special to be part of that.”

The Chemistry of the Cast

One of the Landman’s greatest strengths is the chemistry among its cast members.

Thornton declares, “There’s a sense of camaraderie that we all share. It’s as if we’ve all known each other for years, which makes it feel so natural on-screen. We all have each other’s backs.”

Ali Larter adds, “In a show that explores intense themes, it helps to have that baseline of trust and support from fellow cast members. It allows us to explore deeper storylines without the fear of judgment.”

Jacob mentions, “We’re always pushing each other to bring our best performances forward. The collaboration is so energizing, and I think it reflects well in the narrative.”

Behind the Scenes: The Crew’s Input and Influence

As the conversation shifted towards the production side.

“The crew breathes life into the script. I can’t say enough about how dedicated each person is in their craft. Every detail, from set design to cinematography, adds depth to the storytelling,” Moore says.

Thornton highlights, “It’s a collaborative environment. We rely on each other. The writers, directors, and crew are instrumental in shaping our performances and the overall vision of the show.”

Jacob notes, “What we have is more than just a cast; it’s a family. We’re all invested in telling this story together. When we feel supported by our crew, it only elevates what we can achieve artistically.”

Reflections on the Future of Landman

“I think the reality is that the first season for the first couple of months was just very challenging because we were all figuring out who our characters were, all the different tones of the show, what our relationships were, what our chemistry was,” offers Larter. Other than Sam Elliott joining the cast, the actors remain tight-lipped about Season 2.

Thornton teases, “I can’t give away too much, but expect even deeper character exploration and more intricate story arcs. We’re committed to pushing boundaries, and we’re going to keep doing what we do best—tell great stories.”

Demi adds, “Fans should be prepared for some surprises; it won’t be predictable. It’s going to be thrilling and emotional. We’re really leaning into the unexpected in the upcoming episodes.”

“All I can say is, keep your tissues handy,” Larter jokes. “There will be moments that hit close to home for a lot of people,” she added earnestly.

“Taylor set up this relationship between Cami and Monty as two people who’ve been together since, say, college, that they are so deeply connected,” says Lofland.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.