Ali Larter is no stranger to taking on complex, multifaceted roles. But her latest project, the new Paramount+ series “Landman,” has brought her face-to-face with a challenge unlike any other—co-starring alongside the legendary Billy Bob Thornton.
Set against the gritty backdrop of the West Texas oil industry, “Landman” delves into the high-stakes world of big oil, where billionaires and roughneck workers collide. At the heart of the series is the tumultuous relationship between Larter and Thornton’s characters, Angela and Tommy Norris—a divorced couple navigating the aftermath of their broken marriage.
“We are so different. “I and Billy, in real life, are complete opposites,” Larter revealed in a recent interview with “CBS Mornings Plus.” “But when we came together… we both loved the material, and we found the love in these two characters. Despite their constant disagreements, they embrace each other’s imperfections without much criticism.
For Larter, stepping into the role of Angela was a captivating proposition from the moment she first laid eyes on the script. “When I went down there to screen test, it was like I had to play Angela because she’s so provocative and so free and bold and feisty,” she said. But the true challenge, according to the actress, was in revealing the character’s vulnerable side.
“What [Sheridan] does is really show you the vulnerable side and where you crumble,” Larter explained. This delicate balance of strength and vulnerability is what drew her to the part, and it’s a testament to the skilled writing of series creator Taylor Sheridan, who is also the mastermind behind the hit drama “Yellowstone.”
Sheridan’s keen eye for authenticity is also evident in the world of “Landman,” which is based on the podcast “Boomtown” by Christian Wallace. The show’s meticulous attention to detail reflects Wallace’s year-long experience living on oil rigs and in man camps.
Larter praised the show’s experts for accurately portraying every aspect of the oil industry, saying, “To be able to get a real eye into this world is very special.”
But for Larter, the true draw of “Landman” lies in the opportunity to explore the complexities of human relationships, particularly the complicated dance between her character and Thornton’s Tommy.
“I love being able to play someone who was kind of provocative and could also show herself so vulnerable and raw,” the actress shared. “Watching Angela requires a strong sense of commitment.”
And Larter’s commitment to the role extended beyond the script, as she worked tirelessly to physically transform herself for the part. “I had to work on physically getting myself so that I felt confident enough to strut in a bikini,” she revealed—a nod to the series’ more intimate moments.
While on-set intimacy can be a daunting prospect for any actor, Larter approached it with her trademark determination. “I’ve carried two babies, so I’m like, “If you still want to see it, let’s go,” she quipped.
With the guidance of an “amazing” intimacy coordinator and the support of her co-star Thornton and the entire production team, Larter embraced the challenge, understanding that the vulnerability was essential to the story they were telling.
As “Landman” prepares to debut on Paramount+ on November 17th, Larter is ready to captivate audiences once again, this time with a performance that promises to be as raw and powerful as the industry it represents.