Landman star Billy Bob Thornton reveals new details about the upcoming Season 2

Promotional poster for Landman | Image via Paramount+
Promotional poster for Landman | Image via Paramount+

Landman is steadily carving out its place among the most compelling dramas on television today, and Billy Bob Thornton just added fuel to that fire with fresh insights into the show’s highly anticipated second season.

During a recent conversation with Collider, Thornton said,

He goes from having a job that’s really difficult and very dangerous to having two different types of jobs in the same world."

With Tommy stepping into a new leadership role, fans can expect an emotional shift in the tone of the show, one that’s less about surviving the industry and more about navigating the weight of power.


A new chapter for Tommy Norris

Landman is steadily carving out its place among the most compelling dramas on television today, and Billy Bob Thornton just added fuel to that fire with fresh insights into the show’s highly anticipated second season. During a recent conversation with Collider, Thornton shared that big changes are on the horizon for his character, Tommy Norris. And not just surface-level changes.

"Now I’m kind of executive and a landman and a family man in the midst of this tornado,” he explained. “So it makes for some pretty interesting stuff, I have to say.”
“Problems just come at [Tommy] from every direction — including his family and friends, coworkers, everybody.”

Thornton said, reflecting on how Tommy’s role at M-Tex Oil will evolve in Season 2.


A story rooted in grit and reality

Created by Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown, Landman strips away the gloss to deliver a raw, honest portrait of the oil and gas world deep in the heart of Texas. But this isn’t just a story about rigs, pipelines, and corporate deals. At its core, Landman is about people, their dreams, their struggles, and the tough choices they make just to keep going. Inspired by the Boomtown podcast, the series opens a window into the lives of oil field workers, powerful executives, and everyday Texans whose realities are shaped by the rise and roar of the energy industry surrounding them. It's a show that doesn't flinch when staring down the consequences of industrial expansion.

Landman | Image via Paramount+
Landman | Image via Paramount+

Where the story left off and what’s coming next

In Season 1, Tommy Norris was introduced as a savvy landman, someone who negotiates mineral rights and lives in that moral gray zone between corporate power and working-class roots. Thornton brings a worn charm and a simmering sense of danger to the role, making Tommy one of the show’s most watchable characters. The season finale took a dramatic turn with the unexpected death of Monty Miller, played by Jon Hamm. This twist pushes Tommy into a new role at the top of M-Tex Oil, one that comes with more exposure, more influence, and far more risk. Season 2 is expected to explore how Tommy adapts and, more importantly, how much of himself he’s willing to lose in the process.


A cast that carries the weight of the world

The show’s emotional gravity doesn’t fall solely on Thornton’s shoulders. Demi Moore plays Angela, a formidable businesswoman who knows how to play hardball when the stakes are high. She’s sharp, strategic, and dangerously persuasive. Ali Larter gives life to Eva, a journalist whose pursuit of truth brings her into direct conflict with those in power. And Andy Garcia, playing Galino, a cartel leader whose reach crosses borders, adds a layer of international tension to an already high-stakes game. These characters aren’t just supporting players. Each of them brings depth, nuance, and their own personal storms to the series.

Landman | Image via Paramount+
Landman | Image via Paramount+

Sheridan’s signature touch

Taylor Sheridan has a way of making every frame count. His writing cuts to the bone, and his characters are never simply good or evil, they’re flawed, layered, and, above all, real. The show’s visual style reinforces this gritty realism. Expansive shots of the West Texas landscape give viewers a sense of scale and isolation, while the muted color palette and quiet score reflect the show’s themes of desperation and control. The world of Landman feels lived-in, scarred, and full of tension, just like its characters.


Critical response and audience impact

Since its debut, Landman has struck a chord. It’s not just another drama, it’s a show that asks difficult questions and refuses to hand over easy answers. Audiences responded with enthusiasm, and critics were quick to highlight its authenticity. Variety applauded its “unflinching honesty,” while The Hollywood Reporter called Thornton’s performance quietly forceful, commanding attention without needing to raise his voice. It became one of the most-watched original series on Paramount+ in late 2024, and that momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Landman | Image via Paramount+
Landman | Image via Paramount+

Stories grounded in lived experience

What makes Landman hit so hard is how real it feels. That’s no accident. The show is inspired by the Boomtown podcast, which tells the true stories of Texans whose lives were transformed, sometimes shattered, by the oil boom. Sheridan and his team took those real voices and wove them into something emotionally gripping and narratively rich. It’s a fictional series, yes, but every storyline carries the weight of reality.


What’s ahead for Season 2

According to reports, cameras should start rolling on Season 2 between February and March of 2025. Some scenes are already set to be filmed in Fort Worth, Texas, and a recent casting call involving Texas Christian University students hints at new locations and storylines. We may see politics, academia, or fresh corporate players enter the picture. Though Paramount+ hasn’t made an official announcement, all signs point to a green light.

Landman | Image via Paramount+
Landman | Image via Paramount+

A series with staying power

If the new season holds onto the emotional core and narrative tension of its first, Landman won’t just maintain its place on the screen, it will grow into one of the defining dramas of the decade. It’s a rare mix of social commentary, sharp writing, and authentic performances. And with Billy Bob Thornton leading the way, it’s safe to say that Season 2 isn’t just on the horizon; it’s ready to make an impact.

Edited by Sohini Biswas