In the series ‘Landman’, Billy Bob Thornton portrays Tommy Norris, a character who is the central fixer for M-TEX oil company in West Texas. During the first season of ‘Landman’, Tommy’s ex-wife, Angela (played by Ali Larter), reappears in his life with the intention of revitalizing their marriage and restoring their family that includes their teenage daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randoph) and son Cooper (Jacob Lofland). Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter discuss why their tumultuous love story is compelling within ‘Landman’.
Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter attended the “Landman” – Outstanding Drama Series panel at Newport Beach TV Fest alongside their co-stars Jacob Lofland and Andy Garcia. During the discussion about portraying the complex relationship between Tommy and Angela, Larter and Thornton revealed their approach to embody the central couple in “Landman”. They emphasized that, despite any difficulties, Angela and Tommy’s love for each other remains unwavering. Here are some of their quotes:
Ali Larter: “[Playing Angela] has been a journey, and I think one of the things that makes Tommy and Angela’s relationship so special is their unwavering love for each other.”
Billy Bob Thornton: “We spend a lot of time together on set, discussing our characters, understanding their motivations, and finding ways to make their love feel real to us and to the audience. No matter what they go through, Angela and Tommy always find their way back to each other because of that love.
Ali Larter: Before filming began, we already had the complete ten episodes, allowing us to understand the characters’ journey and their shared past. For Angela, her character is returning from a different world in an attempt to mend her marriage to the man she loves and reunite her family. This was the starting point for the storyline.
For Ali and Billy Bob, it was crucial to avoid repetitive themes in many scenes, particularly within television. We often thought, ‘Let’s steer clear of this familiar rhythm forever.’ We were determined to never replicate an exact moment. Instead, we focused on discussing our personal lives, getting to know each other, and subsequently incorporating these insights into our characters. Our constant mantra was…
Billy Bob Thornton: I love you.
Even in the most intense conflicts, where harsh words are exchanged and tempers flare, there may come a time when beneath the tough exterior, what’s truly felt is ‘I care for you deeply’, as proven by the fact that affection still remains at the end of the day.
Why Tommy & Angela Love Each Other Despite Their Problems In Landman
Tommy & Angela Ultimately Understand Each Other
Angela and Tommy Norris have their fair share of highs and lows as a couple, having parted ways only to reunite again. Despite their challenges, such as disagreements and separations, they manage to stay together due to the deep love and comprehension they share for each other. Angela recognized her feelings for Tommy during her remarriage and eventually decided that he was the one she truly wanted. Meanwhile, the main character, Landman, is more practical in considering his own needs versus those of his ex-wife, but beneath this practicality lies a desire for Angela’s return on Tommy’s part as well. The shared understanding and enduring affection between Tommy and Angela help them navigate the tough conversations and circumstances they frequently encounter within the world of Landman.
Being privy to the entirety of season 1’s scripts for “Landman” was a significant advantage for Ali Larter and Billy Bob Thornton, as it allowed us to meticulously plan the progression of Angela and Tommy’s relationship. At the Newport Beach TV Fest, Thornton candidly shared that he had some input in who Taylor Sheridan chose to portray Angela, and fortunately, off-screen as well as on-camera, Larter and I developed a natural chemistry that enhanced our performances. To ensure our relationship remains dynamic and engaging, we are committed to avoiding repetition of Tommy and Angela’s beats, continually pushing their story forward in an authentic manner.
Our Take On Tommy & Angela In Landman
They’re The Most Entertaining Couple In Taylor Sheridan’s TV Universe
The reconciliation of Tommy and Angela in ‘Landman’ stands out as one of the most engaging elements in Taylor Sheridan’s successful series. Despite their contrasting personalities, Angela’s sincere efforts to improve her marriage with Tommy, and Tommy’s initial reservations before eventually giving in, create electrifying drama on screen. Add Angela’s outrageous behavior alongside Ainsley and Cooper, as well as Cooper’s reluctant acceptance of his family, and the Norris clan plays a significant role in the global popularity of ‘Landman’ on Paramount+.
In Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe, there aren’t many marriage stories that don’t end in tragedy. However, the character of Landman exists independently from Yellowstone, which might allow Tommy and Angela Norris to break free from the typical romantic patterns seen in Sheridan’s Yellowstone dramas. Despite their unconventional behavior towards each other, Ali Larter and Billy Bob Thornton effectively portray that beneath it all, Tommy and Angela continue to harbor affection for one another.
Read More
2025-06-11 01:28