Billy Bob Thornton has portrayed many intense characters, but even he admits one Landman scene took things too far.
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The actor stars as oil tycoon Tommy Norris in Landman, a hit Paramount+ series from creator Taylor Sheridan. Season one drew strong viewership and viral buzz, thanks in part to its star-studded cast, which includes Thornton, Ali Larter, and Demi Moore.
Filming for season two is underway. A release is expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
Setting the Scene
One scene from the first season went viral for all the wrong reasons. It featured a jaw-dropping exchange between Thornton's character and his on-screen daughter, Ainsley, played by Michelle Randolph.
In the scene, Ainsley openly discusses her sex life. She describes in detail how she and her boyfriend "get it on" and the "creative ways" they avoid pregnancy. The clip spread quickly online, drawing millions of views, heavy criticism. Many labeled it "cringe" and "unrealistic."
Randolph later responded in an interview with The Wrap. She admitted it was one of the hardest scenes she's ever filmed.
"How could you not [feel weird]?" she said. "I just thought to myself, 'How am I going to say this with a straight face, looking into Billy's eyes?' I was Ainsley in that moment. I was not Michelle. And as Michelle, I will never be saying that to my father. Let's be clear."
Thornton Breaks Silence
Thornton had stayed quiet about the backlash until now.
Speaking at the ATX TV Festival in Austin, the 69-year-old actor finally shared his take. He also praised the cast and crew for forming what he called a "real family."
"I've been doing this for, what, 79 years now," he joked. "This is the best crew I've ever worked with. That dynamic is like real life... but if my daughter said what [Ainsley] says to me, I would have a seizure."
His comment drew laughter and nods of agreement from fellow fathers.
Though the show continues to generate buzz, the moment serves as a reminder of the fine line between drama and discomfort. Fans now look ahead to season two, perhaps hopeful that the next chapter brings more substance -- and hey, perhaps fewer shocks.
