Billy Bob Thornton disclosed he earned his seventh Golden Globe nomination for his leading role, based on the podcast “Boomtown”, in Taylor Sheridan’s captivating series Landman. This darkly humorous yet gritty Paramount+ show unveils the realities of the oil business in Texas.
Thornton also shared insights into how Sheridan crafted the role of Tommy Norris specifically for him and how the actor has become something of a hero figure amongst Texas landmen. With five episodes already released, the first season promises a total of ten compelling installments.
BILLY BOB THORNTON: Absolutely. I’d done a small part for Taylor in 1883, playing a Fort Worth marshal. I shared a few scenes with my old buddies Sam Elliott and Tim McGraw. At the Las Vegas premiere, I sat with Taylor at dinner, and he said, ‘Listen, I’m writing this show called Landman. You’re the landman. I’m going too write it in your voice.’ This was a couple of years before filming started. Taylor began writing, and I was intrigued because you don’t often see the oil industry depicted from the inside, particularly the everyday lives of the field workers. Giant was one of my favorite movies,so I felt compelled to delve into this world.But then the strikes hit,forcing Taylor to put things on hold. However, the scripts he sent were unbelievable. It was like, wow, he really got my voice down. If I were a landman, this would be me.
THORNTON: You bet! Those are real guys, and I’ve met them. When I was working in Fort Worth, hanging out in bars and restaurants, you’re bound to encounter a landman. I connect with these folks. I find the best way to learn about them is through casual conversation, not by asking direct questions like ‘Tell me how to do this or that’. Thankfully, Christian Wallace, who created the Boomtown podcast, was always on set, so I could always ask him for further insight. I think audiences are smart, and if I didn’t understand some jargon, I’d simply ask Christian.
THORNTON: Not at all. I believe it’s more about acknowledging that nowadays, people constantly analyze everything through their own personal lens. If you’re watching a film or show, or listening to music, it’s all filtered through your own agenda. For instance, if a movie features a compelling portrayal of a serial killer, it doesn’t mean they’re glorifying serial killers. It’s just entertainment built on complex characters. I think you have to look at Landman as a glimpse into the world of oil, presenting how things work in that business.The speech sparked controversy, which, in the world of entertainment, is always positively stimulating. It nudged people to question, which can lead to great conversations.
THORNTON: Yeah, I think if you’re in that world, it’s a dangerously unpredictable field. You understand the inherent risks. My character, Tommy, has worked his way up, starting with more menial jobs. He knows how this industry functions. Now, he’s like the bridge between the oil company owner and the workers in the field.There’s rarely time to overthink. He’s constantly solving problems because he’s essentially a fixer. You develop this relentless pursuit of success in that kind of environment.I think he’s driven, doesn’t dwell on fear, but also has a sense of fatalism.
THORNTON: I have to confess, I was laughing out loud reading the script. We added bit here and there during filming,but one of my favorite things about Tommy is his humor,even amid danger,trouble,and drama. This guy is just naturally funny. it’s a dark humor, but he’s undeniably witty.
THORNTON: It was always in the script.
THORNTON: I was there for five months, with just one week where I had most of the week off. I didn’t even know what to do with myself! The setting – the weather, the terrain – are characters in themselves, and they kind of seep into how you feel as an actor. I never get the Hawaiian gigs, I don’t know why.
THORNTON: They absolutely love it.Everyone involved – my friends, acquaintances in the oil business – they’ve all said the same thing:
"Dude, this is so authentic. It takes me back.” A couple of country singers I know worked in the oil fields; both texted me saying “This reminded me of growing up.
THORNTON: They’re both going all out.
THORNTON: taylor has faced criticism from critics before.It’s easy to take down someone powerful.
But Landman has garnered his best reviews yet.
THORNTON: I’m wearing them right now.
They just fit better.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome and thank you for joining us today! We’re lucky to have an expert on the captivating new series Landman and the amazing talent behind it. Joining us is Billy Bob Thornton, who recently earned his seventh Golden Globe nomination for his role in this darkly humorous exploration of the oil business in Texas.Congratulations on the nomination, Billy Bob!
Billy Bob Thornton (BBT): Thank you! I’m thrilled about the nomination and really excited about the show.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Landman offers a unique viewpoint on the oil industry, focusing on the lives of field workers.Can you share more about what drew you to this role and the meaning it holds?
BBT: Absolutely. I had a small part in Taylor Sheridan’s 1883, where I played a Fort Worth marshal. While at the premiere dinner, Taylor told me he was writing a new series called Landman, and he wanted to write the role specifically for me. That was exciting—there’s something special about a role being crafted in your voice. I’ve always been fascinated by the oil industry but hadn’t seen its inner workings depicted authentically. You often hear about the big money, but what about the people working day-in and day-out in the field? That’s the story I was eager to tell.
TNE: It sounds like the collaboration with Taylor Sheridan was a key part of the process. Could you tell us how you and taylor developed the character of Tommy norris?
BBT: Yes, Taylor and I had a lot of discussions before filming started. He envisioned a nuanced character who resonates deeply with the realities of life in Texas for landmen. Tommy isn’t a typical hero; he has flaws and complexities—he’s gritty and darkly humorous, which adds layers to his character. Taylor’s writing reflects the real struggles and triumphs of these workers, making Tommy someone who embodies resilience. And honestly, as an actor, that’s incredibly rewarding to portray.
TNE: With five episodes already out, the series has garnered meaningful attention. How do you feel audiences are reacting to this authentic portrayal of the oil industry?
BBT: The response has been overwhelming. Many viewers have expressed how refreshing it is to see a behind-the-scenes look. It’s gritty and not always glamorous, which resonates with people who work in similar industries or understand the complexities of the oil business. The dark humor also opens the door to dialogue about the serious issues in these environments without it feeling too heavy-handed.
TNE: It’s refreshing to hear about a series that tackles real-world issues with such honesty. As the season unfolds, what can audiences expect from the remaining episodes?
BBT: The second half of the season is going to delve even deeper into the characters and the dilemmas they face—both personal and professional. The stakes rise, and we see how the choices made by these landmen can have far-reaching consequences. Each episode builds on the last,so I’m excited for viewers to see how everything unfolds.
TNE: It sounds like an exhilarating ride! Lastly, what do you hope viewers take away from Landman?
BBT: I hope they come away with a deeper understanding of the oil industry and appreciation for the hard work that goes into it.But more than that, I want them to connect with the characters on a human level. This isn’t just a story about oil—its about people, their dreams, their struggles, and their humanity.
TNE: Well said, Billy Bob. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. We’re all looking forward to seeing how Landman wraps up its first season!
BBT: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to chat.