Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton, each leading hit shows in 2024, recently reflected on their careers and surprising connections, shedding light on Billy Bob Thornton’s near role in Misery and his Landman acting journey. Their conversation not only explored their experiences in the industry but also highlighted the unpredictable paths that have defined their work together and separately.
Unexpected Links: Almost Crossing Paths on Misery
Long before collaborating on Mike Nichols’ Primary Colors, Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton almost joined forces in an earlier project. During a discussion about their careers, Thornton revealed he had auditioned for a role on the set of Bates’ critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning film, Misery. The role, initially envisioned as a deputy to Richard Farnsworth’s sheriff, brought Thornton in front of director Rob Reiner. As Thornton recounted the moment,
“You’re the guy. We can send everybody else home.”
—Rob Reiner, Director. However, the opportunity shifted when Reiner personally informed Thornton the character was ultimately cut from the script during film planning.
Reiner’s gesture to call Thornton directly and clarify the situation is something Thornton appreciated, acknowledging the rarity of such honesty in Hollywood. Reiner told him,
“Listen, I’ve been looking at the script and been planning out what I’m going to do with this movie.”
—Rob Reiner, Director—and further explained,
“You can come up here and shoot this for the money or the insurance or whatever you need, but I’m just telling you, it’s not going to be in the movie.”
—Rob Reiner, Director. Reiner gave Thornton the choice:
“I don’t want you to come up here expecting that this is going to be in the movie. And I didn’t want you to be disappointed.”
—Rob Reiner, Director. Thornton shared that he ultimately declined, admiring Reiner’s straightforwardness.
Building Chemistry on Landman
The conversation then moved to their current work, with Billy Bob Thornton taking on the role of Tommy Norris, a crafty oil executive in Taylor Sheridan’s Landman on Paramount+. When questioned by Bates about the show‘s process and cast dynamics, Thornton described the unique chemistry on set: Ali Larter, playing his character’s ex-wife, would energetically enter scenes, prompting reactions like,
“What are you talking about, honey? Leave me alone. I’m trying to watch TV.”
—Billy Bob Thornton, Actor. Michelle Randolph, too, brought a distinctive quality, which Thornton likened to the relationship with his own daughter.
The cast, comprised of strong personalities, managed to develop a close-knit atmosphere, despite limited time before filming began. Thornton revealed,
“We had to kind of jump in. We had one cast dinner before we started,”
underscoring how natural interactions and off-script moments contributed to the show’s dynamic. The actor noted that the genuine familial relationships on set felt authentic, a rare occurrence he felt compelled to highlight.
Kathy Bates on Matlock’s Fresh Reinvention
Kathy Bates took the lead in the new take on Matlock, bringing to life an attorney who conceals her identity to fight for her daughter’s justice. Bates emphasized the evolution of her character, crediting writer Jennie Snyder Urman for crafting a role addressing themes of aging and invisibility. Reflecting on the early concepts for the show, Bates shared her relief that plans to make her character Andy Griffith’s much younger descendant were scrapped. She respected Urman’s direction to focus instead on older women finding their voice in the legal world.
Bates candidly admitted her initial hesitation about the project, believing it to be episodic and uninteresting—until a plot twist sparked her enthusiasm, as she described,
“Oh, yeah, I’m in. I’m in.”
—Kathy Bates, Actor. That pivotal moment convinced her to join, reversing her uncertainty about continuing her film career.
Career Crossroads and Resurgence
Despite their success, both actors identified with complex transitions in their professional lives. Bates explained how she had considered stepping back after a string of small movie roles that failed to reach her audience, expressing her internal debate:
“Is this what I want to keep doing? Do I want to sell the house and maybe move to France and call it a day?”
—Kathy Bates, Actor. Ultimately, Matlock offered Bates an opportunity deeply aligned with her own journey, prompting her to remain active and passionate in the industry.
The discussions between Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton were marked by openness and mutual respect, drawing connections through pivotal moments and critical decisions that have shaped the trajectory of their careers. From a missed chance to act together in Misery, to shared perspectives on building ensemble chemistry in Landman, and the creative rejuvenation found in Matlock’s modern reboot, the conversation highlighted the unpredictable turns and complex choices defining the lives of seasoned actors.
Looking ahead, both Bates and Thornton continue to embrace new challenges on screen. Their experiences underscore the enduring appeal of reinvention and the importance of finding meaningful creative outlets. As their respective shows reach wide audiences, their stories resonate as examples of resilience, adaptability, and the ever-evolving nature of acting careers.
