Lead Character in Landman Was Inspired by Bad Santa

Taylor Sheridan has revealed that he created Billy Bob Thornton’s character in Landman with the cult dark comedy Bad Santa firmly in mind.

The creator of Yellowstone and Landman explained that Tommy Norris, the oil company's crisis manager, was originally conceived as a dramatic version of Willie, the foul-mouthed antihero Billy Bob Thornton played in the 2003 holiday classic. According to Sheridan, that comparison immediately helped Thornton understand the character and convinced him to join the project without hesitation.

Sheridan's Unusual Pitch

Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Taylor Sheridan recalled how he first presented the series to Billy Bob Thornton.

According to the filmmaker, his pitch was simple: "I want to make a drama about Bad Santa running an oil company."

Sheridan said Thornton instantly understood the concept and replied, "That's the coolest thing I've ever heard," before almost immediately agreeing to star in the series.

Tommy Norris Became a Tougher Version of Willie

Sheridan admitted that the similarities between the two characters were entirely intentional. Tommy Norris inherited Willie's blunt personality, abrasive attitude, cynical sense of humour and habit of telling people uncomfortable truths.

The difference, however, is the world he inhabits. Instead of department stores and petty scams, Tommy navigates oil fields, corporate crises, lawyers and drilling crews. Yet at his core, he remains the same kind of character—someone who has no interest in pleasing others and always acts according to his own principles.

The Series Surprised Even Its Creators

Billy Bob Thornton revealed that the creative team originally expected Landman to resonate primarily with American audiences, particularly viewers in oil-producing regions and the Midwest. After its premiere, however, the response far exceeded those expectations.

The actor admitted that everyone involved was genuinely surprised by the show's international popularity. Fans emerged not only across the United States but also in countries as diverse as Australia and Uganda.

Thornton believes the series' global success comes from Taylor Sheridan's distinctive storytelling style. Landman blends workplace drama, suspense, dark humour and memorable characters, transforming a story about the oil industry into an international television hit. Tommy Norris has since become one of Thornton's most acclaimed recent performances, earning him a Golden Globe Awards nomination.