INDIANAPOLIS — A cameo role in Taylor Sheridan's "Yellowstone" prequel, "1883," led to a leading role in a new series for Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton ("Sling Blade," "A Simple Plan").
"When I went to the premiere of ('1883') in Las Vegas, (Sheridan) talked to me about it after and said, 'I'm writing this series for you called 'Landman.' I've had the idea for a while. I'm gonna write it in your voice. I think you're really gonna like it,'" Thornton said.
The series takes place in the world of oil rigs, showing how people from all shapes of life are affected.
"A landman is basically a fixer. He's the guy who's the go-between the people who own the oil company and the people who work in the field," Thornton said. "It's a landman's job to drive a lot, talk on the phone a lot and deal with crises all the time."
Starring alongside Thornton is Ali Larter ("Legally Blonde," "Heroes"), who is his character, Tommy Norris' ex-wife, Angela.
"He has a very high-stress, high-stakes job. Angela comes in just to always make his world a little bit more difficult," Larter said. "She's a total dynamo. She's an emotional roller coaster. You see her crack and crumble at the end of the night, and there's something really exciting to be able to play such a multi-dimensional character."
Also in supporting roles as a lucrative husband and wife are Emmy winner Jon Hamm ("Mad Men," "Fargo") and Emmy nominee Demi Moore ("If These Walls Could Talk," "Ghost").
"We had a great time. The scenes that Jon and I did together in person was just like two guys looking each other in the face and being who we were supposed to be," Thornton said.
Whether it's directing, writing or producing both films and TV shows, Sheridan is one of the biggest names in the industry right now.
"He's just a fearless storyteller," said James Jordan ("Yellowstone," "Mayor of Kingstown"), who plays Dale Bradley, a petroleum engineer and Tommy's roommate. "He surprises me just like he surprises audiences and tells the truth. He's not afraid to go to the dirty, dark places in the soul."
"From the beginning, I think we all knew that this show was really going to be something," said Paulina Chavez ("Fate: The Winx Saga," "The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia"), who plays Ariana, a woman whose family is dealing with a tragedy.
New episodes of "Landman" are released Sundays through Jan. 12 on Paramount+.