Western cinema veteran Sam Elliott has joined the cast of Landman for its second season after creator Taylor Sheridan pursued the actor through persistent text messages. Elliott will portray T.L., the estranged father of crisis manager Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, in the oil industry drama returning to Paramount Plus.
The 81-year-old actor initially declined due to health concerns and contentment following his starring turn in the 1883 prequel series. Sheridan refused to proceed without Elliott, who ultimately accepted what he described as a significant gift. The role marks his first major project since portraying Shea Brennan in the 2021 western.
Thornton pitched the concept for Landman to Elliott during a Las Vegas gathering after the 1883 premiere. The Arkansas-born Thornton maintains an 11-year age difference from Elliott, creating an unusually narrow generational gap between the television father and son. Jacob Lofland completes three generations of oil workers as Cooper Norris, the grandson character who discovers petroleum deposits with questionable financial support.
The 81-year-old actor initially declined due to health concerns and contentment following his starring turn in the 1883 prequel series. Sheridan refused to proceed without Elliott, who ultimately accepted what he described as a significant gift. The role marks his first major project since portraying Shea Brennan in the 2021 western.
Thornton pitched the concept for Landman to Elliott during a Las Vegas gathering after the 1883 premiere. The Arkansas-born Thornton maintains an 11-year age difference from Elliott, creating an unusually narrow generational gap between the television father and son. Jacob Lofland completes three generations of oil workers as Cooper Norris, the grandson character who discovers petroleum deposits with questionable financial support.
