Billy Bob Thornton and the cast of “Landman” walked the red carpet on November 6, 2025, at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for the premiere of the highly anticipated Season 2 of the Paramount+ series. The event featured prominent cast members including Sam Elliott, Paulina Chávez, Michelle Randolph, James Jordan, and Christian Wallace, who posed for photographs and interacted with fans.
Thornton, who stars as Tommy Norris, expressed his affection for Fort Worth, stating it is his favorite city in the United States. Despite not having grown up there, he appreciates the city’s vibrant Western culture and its role as the primary filming location for “Landman.” He remarked, “For years and years, it was kind of the little sister to the big sister, and Fort Worth is really getting us through now.” This sentiment was echoed by Christian Wallace, co-creator of the series, who highlighted the authenticity Fort Worth brings to the show’s portrayal of Texas life.
The series, which follows the tumultuous life of Norris as he negotiates land leases for energy development, has already seen remarkable success. The first season garnered an audience of 14.9 million viewers globally, making it the most watched original series on Paramount+. This surge in popularity has helped reignite interest in the oil and gas industry, according to Andrea Spencer, director of communications for the American Association of Petroleum Landmen.
Fort Worth’s Role in “Landman”
Filming primarily in and around Fort Worth, including locations such as Sundance Square Plaza and Texas Christian University, has been pivotal to the show’s narrative. Wallace noted, “Fort Worth is like Texas on steroids. It’s very welcoming and it’s a lot of fun. Fort Worth is the perfect spot for this show.” The city has increasingly become a favored location for filmmakers, spurred by recent legislative efforts that allocated $1.5 billion for film and television productions in Texas over the next decade.
Thornton’s comments during the premiere underscored the significance of incorporating local culture and landscapes into the series, which resonates deeply with both residents and viewers. In addition, Taylor Sheridan, the show’s co-creator, is in the process of establishing a large production studio in Fort Worth, which will further enhance the area’s status as a filmmaking hub.
What’s Next for “Landman” Season 2
As for the upcoming season, Thornton described it using five keywords: humorous, dramatic, emotional, dangerous, and absurd. The plot picks up with Tommy Norris stepping into the role of president of M-Tex Oil, following the death of CEO Monty Miller, portrayed by Jon Hamm. In this new chapter, Tommy must collaborate with Monty’s widow, Cami, played by Academy Award nominee Demi Moore, who grapples with her ability to lead the company.
Paulina Chávez, who plays Ariana, expressed excitement for her character’s development, stating, “She’s really discovering what she needs, and she has a beautiful storyline that I’m so excited for everyone to see.” The upcoming season promises to explore deeper family dynamics and introduce new conflicts, especially with the addition of Elliott’s character, T.L. “Pop” Norris.
“Landman” Season 2 is set to premiere on Paramount+ on November 16, 2025. Thornton’s enthusiasm for the show’s direction suggests that viewers can expect a captivating blend of humor and drama as the series continues to delve into the complexities of the oil and gas industry.
David Moreno contributes to this report as the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. For further inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected] or via Twitter at @davidmreports.
