Filming for the second season of Taylor Sheridan‘s Landman has resumed, with Billy Bob Thornton reprising his role as oilman Tommy Norris. Set against the backdrop of the sudden passing of Monty Miller, CEO of M-Tex Oil, Tommy Norris steps into a critical position within the company. Thornton recently shared during a panel at the ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas, that his portrayal of the troubled father draws from his own life experiences, adding authenticity to his performance in the show.
Thornton Reflects on His On-Screen Father-Daughter Relationship
Thornton discussed the complicated dynamic between his character Tommy Norris and Michelle Randolph’s character, Ainsley Norris, a 17-year-old daughter with whom Tommy shares an intense relationship. The actor revealed,
“That dynamic is like real life,”
highlighting the emotional depth in their scenes. Although his real daughter differs greatly from Ainsley’s bold persona, Thornton acknowledged the challenge of portraying such a relationship. He humorously remarked,
“If my daughter said what [Ainsley] says to [Tommy], I would have a seizure.”
As a father of four, Thornton has two daughters, Bella, 20, with his current wife Connie Angland, and Amanda, 45, from his first marriage to Melissa Lee Gatlin. He also has two sons, William, 31, and Harry, 30, with ex-wife Pietra Dawn Cherniak. His long career has afforded him meaningful bonds on set, which he described fondly:
“I’ve been doing this for what, 79 years now,”
followed by,
“I can honestly say that this bunch did become a family and this is the best crew I’ve ever worked with.”
Michelle Randolph Praises the Chemistry With Thornton
Michelle Randolph, who plays Ainsley Norris, shared her admiration for Thornton and their working relationship. Initially intimidated by his reputation before filming, she hoped their dynamic would come through on screen. Randolph explained,
“I had heard incredible things about him, and so I was excited to meet him, but obviously, I’m like, ‘Okay, this is someone I’m going to share a lot of scenes with for a really important show. It’s something I care a lot about. I just hope that we have a good dynamic.’”
She went on to say that Thornton became a “father figure” to her during production and that his genuine and humble personality quickly made her comfortable. Referring to a shared dinner early in filming, Randolph recalled,
“We went to a dinner, and after I left that dinner, I was like, ‘Okay, this is going to be great.’”
Viewer Backlash Over the Show’s Portrayal of Ainsley Norris
The relationship between Tommy Norris and his daughter Ainsley has sparked debate among viewers, particularly criticizing the show‘s sexualization of Randolph’s character, a teenager. Some audience members have expressed discomfort with the intimate topics discussed between the characters. One Reddit user commented,
“It’s not normal. It’s an attempt to demean young women and portray them as highly sexualized in an attempt to appeal to an audience of immature and undereducated men.”
Another viewer remarked on the awkwardness of the conversations, stating,
“Does anyone else find Ainsley’s relationship with her dad really weird???? What 17-year-old girl in their right mind talks to their dad about their sex life????? Like, I’m a married woman, and the thought of even broaching the topic with my dad is mortifying.”
Michelle Randolph Defends Her Character’s Role in the Story
In response to the mixed reactions, Randolph has stood by her portrayal of Ainsley Norris, emphasizing that the character is meant to represent a modern teenager within the show‘s classic drama setting. Drawing inspiration from Jane Fonda during her preparation, she commented on the broader impact of the show, saying,
“I can’t tell people how to interpret my character, but at least it’s sparking conversation. And I’m really proud of the show that we made.”
What Lies Ahead for Landman and Its Audience
With Billy Bob Thornton returning in his pivotal role as Tommy Norris, Landman’s second season promises to deepen the storylining following the leadership upheaval at M-Tex Oil. The complex, sometimes controversial character interactions remain a focal point, fueling discussion about family dynamics and representation on screen. As the series progresses, it will be important to watch how the show balances its intense drama with sensitive portrayal, especially regarding the portrayal of teenagers. Fans and critics alike await the unfolding of this story that challenges conventional boundaries, while Thornton’s real-life experience adds an additional layer of authenticity to his performance.
