Taylor Sheridan Reveals How He Convinced Billy Bob Thornton To Join ‘Landman’
Television producer Taylor Sheridan, who established prominence through the success of Yellowstone at Paramount+, expanded his production portfolio with another drama series following a similar thematic framework. Titled Landman, the programme features actor Billy Bob Thornton in the central role as a powerful Texas oil industry figure, and despite encountering some initial challenges, has garnered largely favourable responses from both critics and audiences alike.
When discussing how he attracted Thornton to the project during a podcast appearance, Sheridan revealed he had drawn a creative comparison to one of Thornton's earlier film performances. He described his artistic vision as adapting elements from the morally compromised protagonist in the 2003 dark comedy Bad Santa, but repositioning the character concept as someone managing oil operations rather than criminal schemes. Thornton reportedly responded enthusiastically to this unconventional pitch, promptly committing to the starring role.
- TV producer Taylor Sheridan pitched Landman to Billy Bob Thornton by comparing the lead role to Thornton's character from the 2003 film Bad Santa, reimagined as an oil executive
- The series, featuring Thornton as a Texas oil magnate, has received largely positive critical and audience reception despite early growing pains
- Thornton immediately accepted the project after hearing Sheridan's pitch concept