Billy Bob Thornton on ‘Landman’ finale and Season 2 hopes

Warning: This story comprises spoilers from the season finale of “Landman.”

Billy Bob Thornton had a hunch that his newest sequence, “Landman,” would ring a bell with viewers. Just like the blockbuster hit “Yellowstone,” the Western-flavored drama a couple of fixer for a Texas oil firm matches comfortably within the Taylor Sheridan universe, anchored by the writer-producer’s distinctive aptitude for crusty, no-nonsense heroes and tales juiced by loads of nation music, intercourse and violence.

However even Thornton, who performs chain-smoking disaster supervisor Tommy Norris within the sequence, is overwhelmed by the spectacular rankings of “Landman,” which aired its Season 1 finale on Sunday. After premiering in November, the sequence attracted 14.9 million households in its first 4 weeks, changing into the most well-liked authentic venture on the Paramount+ streaming service.

“I’ve been in some iconic films over time the place the response has been fairly massive,” Thornton advised The Occasions throughout a current video name. “However I’ve by no means seen something like this. I’ve folks coming as much as me each day, in all places I am going, reciting strains. We’re blown away by it, in different phrases.”

Though a choice on whether or not “Landman” will return has not been introduced, Thornton stated he was happy with how the freshman season wrapped up.

The whirlwind finale options an onslaught of main developments. Monty Miller, the president of the M-Tex oil firm performed by Jon Hamm, dies of issues from a coronary heart assault, however not earlier than handing over the reins of the company to Norris. Miller’s widow, Cami (Golden Globe winner Demi Moore), who has been totally on the sidelines, turns into extra concerned with the corporate. A gang of cartel thugs captures and tortures Norris. The episode additionally launched Andy Garcia as Galino, a strong and crafty cartel boss.

Through the interview, Thornton, who continues to carry out together with his rock band, the Boxmasters, addressed the season and the finale, working with Sheridan and his ideas a couple of doable second season.

Are you shocked on the reception of “Landman”?

We knew we had been making one thing actually particular. We thought folks would love it. However the response has been a lot past what we thought. Historically, Taylor’s stuff is extra of a middle-of-the-country sort of factor. However with this, it’s the center of the nation, the coasts and different nations, too. We’re humbled by that. When folks come up and wish to speak about it, it means rather a lot. There’s one thing very real about it. You possibly can inform they’re not simply handing a invoice of products as a result of they’re in entrance of you.

What do you’re feeling viewers are connecting to?

Taylor wrote a man who has a lot stress on him. He’s obtained the world on his shoulders each day. Peace will not be one thing that exists in his life. And Tommy is pushed to succeed. He doesn’t to wish to be seen as a failure for his boss, who finally passes. He’s handed the torch. I don’t suppose he desires to be in that place however he is aware of he needs to be, and he’s in all probability the suitable man to do it.

Additionally, folks have by no means had a peek backstage of the oil enterprise. Not since “Big” have you ever ever seen rather a lot concerning the oil enterprise. That film actually struck me, and I feel folks wished to see the day by day lifetime of how these things works. I advised somebody the opposite day that “Landman” is “Big” with cursing.

And so they appear to get pleasure from your efficiency.

I’ve at all times believed in being pure and natural in a component, it doesn’t matter what it’s. Taylor wrote nice dialogue. Each now and again, I’ll throw one in all mine in. My roles in “Goliath” and “Landman” I might name the suitable pair of sneakers. They slot in the identical world. I attempt to put myself in each character I play. Should you’re enjoying your self, it’s going to be a stronger efficiency. I really feel very lucky that Taylor considered me.

There’s rather a lot to unpack within the finale.

I feel Taylor wrapped up the season very properly, whereas giving the present the opportunity of carrying on. The best factor concerning the finale, when it comes to my half in it, is that Tommy is dealing with the remainder of his life. He’s dealing with very severe reflection and having to look at his philosophical beliefs, who he’s and the way he matches into this world. He additionally launched Andy Garcia’s character. It’s the calm earlier than the storm, and there’s already been the storm.

What would you prefer to see if the present continued?

I would definitely hope that the household dynamic continues and deepens. I might additionally hope that we discover the bizarre place that Tommy is in with Andy’s character. Is he going house at night time feeling responsible and questioning, “Am I in cahoots with criminals? I assume I’m.” How is that this going to work out? Tommy isn’t coping with henchmen anymore. He knew easy methods to cope with them. However now he’s obtained a wise man on the other aspect of the legislation who’s his equal. We’re in a chess match, and I hope that’s explored.