The West Texas oilfields are about to ignite once again as Landman, Taylor Sheridan’s gritty, adrenaline-pumping drama, gears up for its highly anticipated second season. After a debut season that captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of the oil industry’s cutthroat world, the show is poised to return with even more intensity, fresh faces, and narrative curveballs that promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With Billy Bob Thornton reprising his role as the hard-edged Tommy Norris, the addition of Western icon Sam Elliott in a yet-to-be-revealed role, and a shocking twist involving Angela’s son, Landman Season 2 is shaping up to be a masterclass in high-stakes storytelling. Here’s a deep dive into what fans can expect when the series returns to Paramount+ later this year.

The World of Landman: A Neo-Western Powerhouse

Set in the rugged, sun-scorched landscapes of West Texas, Landman dives into the chaotic world of oil rigs, where roughnecks toil under relentless pressure, and billionaire wildcatters chase fortunes that could reshape economies and environments. Inspired by the 2019 Boomtown podcast, the series explores the gritty realities of the Permian Basin, a region where the oil boom has sparked wealth, ambition, and moral dilemmas. The first season introduced Tommy Norris, a crisis manager for M-Tex Oil, whose life is a relentless juggling act of corporate fires, personal struggles, and high-stakes negotiations. Thornton’s portrayal of Tommy—a man as weathered as the land he works on—earned widespread praise for its authenticity and emotional depth, making him the heart of the show.

The debut season didn’t shy away from controversy, weaving in themes of environmental impact, corporate greed, and family dysfunction. Tommy’s abrasive personality and sharp wit clashed with everyone from out-of-town lawyers to his own family, including his ex-wife Angela and their teenage daughter Ainsley. The season’s finale dropped a bombshell with the sudden death of M-Tex Oil’s CEO, Monty Miller, leaving Tommy to navigate a leadership vacuum and a tangled web of alliances. With Season 2 now in production, the stage is set for an even deeper exploration of this volatile world, with new locations and unexpected plot twists that promise to elevate the drama to new heights.

Billy Bob Thornton’s Return as Tommy Norris

At the center of Landman Season 2 is Billy Bob Thornton, whose portrayal of Tommy Norris remains the show’s beating pulse. Tommy is a man of contradictions—a tough-as-nails fixer who can negotiate with cartel bosses and oil tycoons alike, yet struggles to connect with his own family. His life is a constant balancing act, managing crises that range from rig explosions to corporate betrayals, all while grappling with personal demons. Thornton’s performance in Season 1 was lauded for its raw intensity and biting one-liners, and early reports suggest that Season 2 will push Tommy into even more precarious territory.

Following the death of Monty Miller, Tommy finds himself thrust into a leadership role at M-Tex Oil, a position that tests his street-smarts and resilience. He must guide Cami Miller, Monty’s widow, through the treacherous world of oil deals, where every decision carries monumental consequences. Tommy’s relationships with his ex-wife Angela and their children, Ainsley and Cooper, will also take center stage, promising a deeper look into the personal toll of his high-stakes career. Thornton has hinted that the new season will explore the evolving dynamics between Tommy and his family, suggesting that the emotional stakes will be just as high as the professional ones.

Sam Elliott’s Mysterious Role

One of the most exciting developments for Season 2 is the addition of Sam Elliott, a Western legend whose gravelly voice and commanding presence have made him a fan favorite in projects like 1883 and Tombstone. Elliott’s role remains shrouded in secrecy, but his casting has sparked intense speculation among fans. Given his history of playing rugged, no-nonsense characters, it’s likely that Elliott will portray a figure who embodies the spirit of the oilfields—perhaps a seasoned landman, a rival tycoon, or a local power broker with ties to Tommy’s past. His real-life friendship with Thornton adds an extra layer of anticipation, as their on-screen chemistry is expected to be electric.

Elliott’s involvement also marks a reunion with creator Taylor Sheridan, with whom he collaborated on 1883. Sheridan’s knack for crafting complex, morally ambiguous characters suggests that Elliott’s role will be more than just a cameo—it could be a pivotal force in the season’s narrative. Whether he’s an ally or an adversary to Tommy, Elliott’s presence is sure to bring a new dimension to the show’s neo-Western vibe, blending old-school cowboy grit with the modern-day ruthlessness of the oil industry.

A Shocking Twist Involving Angela’s Son

One of the most tantalizing teases for Season 2 is a “shocking twist” involving Angela’s son, Cooper Norris, played by Jacob Lofland. While details remain scarce, this development promises to shake up the Norris family dynamic and ripple through the broader narrative. Cooper, a young man caught between his father’s chaotic world and his own ambitions, was a compelling presence in Season 1. His struggles to find his place in the shadow of Tommy’s larger-than-life persona hinted at deeper tensions, and Season 2 appears poised to explore these in dramatic fashion.

Could Cooper’s twist involve a betrayal, a dangerous decision, or a revelation about his past? Fans are buzzing with theories, with some speculating that his actions could tie into the cartel connections introduced in Season 1’s finale through Andy Garcia’s character, Galino. Whatever the twist entails, it’s clear that Cooper’s arc will add a layer of emotional complexity to the season, forcing Tommy to confront the consequences of his choices as a father and a fixer.

New Locations and Expanded Scope

Season 2 will take Landman beyond the familiar oilfields of West Texas, with production moving to new locations that promise to broaden the show’s scope. While the Permian Basin remains the heart of the story, filming updates indicate that scenes have been shot in Oklahoma, including sequences set around a casino, suggesting a new dimension to the narrative. The return to North Texas locations like Fort Worth, Cresson, and Jacksboro will ground the show in its authentic Texan roots, while these new settings hint at fresh conflicts—perhaps involving rival industries, new players, or unexpected alliances.

The expanded geography also reflects the growing stakes of the oil boom, which the show portrays as a force reshaping economies and geopolitics. From dusty rig sites to sleek corporate boardrooms, Landman Season 2 will likely delve deeper into the tension between blue-collar workers and the billionaire elites who profit from their labor. This upstairs-downstairs dynamic, a hallmark of Sheridan’s storytelling, will continue to drive the narrative, with Tommy caught in the middle of it all.

A Stellar Ensemble and New Faces

In addition to Thornton and Elliott, Landman Season 2 boasts a powerhouse ensemble. Demi Moore returns as Cami Miller, whose role is set to expand significantly as she steps into the leadership void left by her husband’s death. Moore’s character, previously underutilized, is poised to become a central figure, navigating the oil industry’s complexities with Tommy’s guidance. Andy Garcia’s Galino, introduced as a formidable cartel leader in the Season 1 finale, will also play a larger role, adding a layer of danger to the proceedings.

Returning cast members include Ali Larter as Angela Norris, whose rekindled relationship with Tommy promises more emotional fireworks, and Michelle Randolph as Ainsley Norris, whose rebellious streak continues to complicate her father’s life. New additions like Guy Burnet, playing a charming oil and gas engineer, and Miriam Silverman, as an intimidating university admissions counselor, will bring fresh perspectives to the story. These characters are expected to deepen the show’s exploration of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal in the high-stakes world of oil.

Taylor Sheridan’s Signature Touch

As with all of Taylor Sheridan’s projects, Landman Season 2 will bear his unmistakable stamp: a blend of gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and morally complex characters. Sheridan’s ability to craft stories that resonate with audiences—while tackling real-world issues like energy, climate, and power dynamics—has made him a dominant force in television. Landman’s first season drew both praise for its authenticity and criticism for its portrayal of certain characters, but its strong viewership numbers cemented its place as one of Paramount+’s biggest hits.

Season 2 is expected to lean into Sheridan’s strengths, delivering more of the intense drama and biting social commentary that defined the first season. From Tommy’s struggles to balance family and work to the broader implications of the oil boom, the show will continue to explore the human cost of ambition in a world where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye.

What Lies Ahead

With production underway and a premiere expected in November 2025, Landman Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch event. The combination of Thornton’s commanding performance, Elliott’s enigmatic new role, and a narrative packed with twists and new locations ensures that the show will deliver the high-octane drama fans crave. As Tommy Norris navigates the treacherous waters of the oil industry, grapples with family turmoil, and faces the fallout of a shocking twist involving Angela’s son, viewers can expect a season that’s as explosive as a West Texas oil gusher.

For those who haven’t caught up, Season 1 is available to stream on Paramount+, with a DVD and Blu-ray release scheduled for May 13, 2025, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content. As the countdown to Season 2 begins, one thing is clear: Landman is ready to strike oil again, and the sparks are sure to fly.