Sam Elliott is stepping into the role of T.L. Norris for Taylor Sheridan Landman Season 2, bringing a new dynamic to Paramount+’s acclaimed drama when it returns on November 16. Elliott, known for his commanding presence and previous work with Sheridan, shares the screen with Billy Bob Thornton in a series set against the tumultuous world of Texas oil drilling and complicated personal ties.
Sam Elliott’s Surprising Role and His Reasons for Joining
When it was announced that Sam Elliott would portray Billy Bob Thornton’s father in the second season of Landman, many fans were intrigued by the real-life age difference—Elliott, at 81, is only slightly older than Thornton. Despite this, the casting decision fits within the expansive vision of Taylor Sheridan and co-creator Christian Wallace, who are known for crafting layered characters and compelling relationships in their depiction of West Texas.
Landman’s story centers on Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris, an oil landman who faces both professional and deeply personal struggles. The upcoming season also includes standout names such as Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Kayla Wallace, Colm Feore, and Mark Collie. When Elliott received the offer to join, he was enthusiastic—not just about the story, but because of the opportunity to collaborate with Billy Bob Thornton and Sheridan once again.
“Particularly if it’s an opportunity to work with Billy. I’ve known Billy for a long, long time. We worked briefly a couple of times. Having an opportunity to come and see him on a daily basis and try to do something special with Taylor’s work together — it’s just a great opportunity. A real gift.”
– Sam Elliott, Actor
Elliott’s connection to Sheridan’s work dates back to his critically praised performance in 1883, Yellowstone’s prequel. Since then, Elliott has become a frequent collaborator, drawn by Sheridan’s reputation for authenticity and distinctive characters. According to Elliott, Landman stands out for its combination of humor, drama, and realism—qualities he finds in all of Sheridan’s scripts.
“It’s got all the elements. It’s got humor. It’s got drama. It’s got reality. It’s got Taylor Sheridan all over it. Taylor tells the truth… He knows about different subjects that interest people. It’s well-written and well-grounded stuff. There’s a gifted bunch of people who have the opportunity to say Taylor’s words, and I think it’s a lot of fun for the audience.”
– Sam Elliott, Actor
Billy Bob Thornton and the Cast Reflect on Sheridan’s Storytelling
Billy Bob Thornton, who views Landman as one of the most personal projects of his career, has publicly praised Sheridan’s writing. The show, he notes, resonates because of its unfiltered portrayal of its characters and sharp dialogue.
“Taylor writes great stories. He writes truth. I think it’s because the characters are unabashedly who they are — good or bad. People want to see that. They want to see people being 100% of who they are… and be honest with it. People like that about the show.”
– Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
Since its arrival on Paramount+ last November, Landman has rapidly become one of the platform’s breakout hits, noted for weaving realism, humor, and classic Texas bravado. Cast member Mark Collie, recognized for his role as Sheriff Walt Joeberg, openly shared his expectations before the show’s success took on a life of its own.
“I believed it was going to be a hit,”
Mark Collie, Actor
“But I don’t think anyone was prepared for the kind of response that it’s received.”
Mark Collie, Actor
What’s in Store for Season 2 of Landman?
The foundation of the first season was Tommy Norris’s struggle with murky moral choices, fighting both criminal elements and the pressures of the oil industry, along with personal demons. The second season promises a deeper exploration of Tommy’s vulnerabilities, especially as the narrative delves into his complicated and strained relationship with his father, T.L. Norris, now played by Sam Elliott.
“You see that Tommy actually wants to be a good father,”
Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
“He wants to have a father. You see all of it. It’s a very emotional season in a lot of ways — but still with a lot of humor.”
Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
The show’s humor, according to Thornton, often flows from the unpredictable relationship between Tommy and his ex-wife Angela Norris, portrayed by Ali Larter. Their onscreen dynamic adds levity to the otherwise tense family drama and keeps audiences engaged with a blend of heartfelt and comic moments.
“It’s a logistical nightmare for the prop department, but we’re fine,”
Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
“We go have a donut. I’ve enjoyed every family dinner — even though as a character, I don’t.”
Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
The entire cast brings together an ensemble of memorable performances including Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Kayla Wallace, and Colm Feore. The strong supporting lineup helps flesh out the West Texas world that Sheridan has meticulously crafted.
Looking Ahead: Sheridan’s Expanding Universe and the Impact of Landman
Landman, guided by Taylor Sheridan and creative partner Christian Wallace, continues to expand the Yellowstone universe with grounded narratives and complex characters. As Season 2 launches, viewers can anticipate more intense family drama, sharp social commentary, and moments of comedy woven throughout the plot. With Sam Elliott now joining Billy Bob Thornton at the core of the narrative, the anticipation is high for another bold chapter in the saga of Tommy and T.L. Norris.
Landman Season 2 is set to premiere on November 16 exclusively on Paramount+, promising to deepen the exploration of family bonds and the cost of survival in the unforgiving world of West Texas oil.
