Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bad Santa's Encore: Billy Bob Thornton Leads 'Landman'
Bad Santa's Encore: Billy Bob Thornton Leads 'Landman'
15 Nov
Summary
- Sheridan cast Thornton by pitching 'Bad Santa' in an oil company.
- Thornton's performance earned nominations at Golden Globes and Critics' Choice.
- Show's inspiration came from a real-life shooting incident in Odessa.
Taylor Sheridan, the creative mind behind "Landman," successfully recruited Billy Bob Thornton for the lead role of Tommy Norris by likening the series to "Bad Santa" set within an oil company. This distinctive concept resonated strongly with Thornton, securing his involvement.
Thornton's portrayal in "Landman" has garnered significant acclaim, including best actor nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards and the 2026 Critics' Choice Television Awards. Production for the third season commenced in the fall of 2026, with Thornton reprising his pivotal role.
Sheridan revealed that the inspiration for "Landman" struck after a conversation about a violent incident in Odessa, Texas. A friend's nonchalant reaction to news of a shooting prompted Sheridan to explore the region's harsh realities and the people who inhabit it, leading to the development of the series.
