Sam Elliott Stays Close to the Landman Set Even After Filming, Kayla Wallace Shares

Sam Elliott in Los Angeles Screening on Oct. 30, 2025.
Credit:

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Sam Elliott joined the Landman cast for season 2, portraying the complex and grieving father of Billy Bob Thornton’s character.
• The cast finds Elliott’s presence both exciting and intimidating, particularly noting that the legendary actor “never leaves” the set, according to Kayla Wallace.
• New episodes of Landman air Sundays on Paramount+.

Sam Elliott brings a wealth of experience and gravitas to the set of Landman this season. The 81-year-old actor plays T.L., the father of Billy Bob Thornton’s character, oil executive Tommy Norris. Beyond his impressive resume, Elliott has made a significant impact on set.

“He never leaves,” said Kayla Wallace, who stars as Rebecca Falcone, a sharp attorney for Tommy’s company, MTex. “Even if he’s not in a scene, he shows up early to set.” Wallace noted that Elliott finds a place to sit, be it a bench or an apple box, emphasizing his unpretentious nature.

From Left: Kayla Wallace and Sam Elliott in New York City on Nov. 11, 2025.

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Wallace described Elliott’s demeanor, stating, “He’s just happy to sit there and be a part of it and watch all of us perform. It’s really cool.” This sentiment of camaraderie resonates throughout the cast.

Colm Feore, who plays fellow lawyer Nathan, expressed appreciation for Elliott’s presence, saying, “The support is remarkable, creating a strong sense of ensemble.” However, he added with a laugh, “It does up the [stakes] when you’re trying not to suck, right?”

In a previous interview, Elliott remarked that joining Landman has “been a real gift.” He emphasized the joy of collaborating once again with Thornton, stating, “Having an opportunity to work with Billy again—this time we’re in deep, and it’s just a treat to go to work and be with him.”

From Left: Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy and Sam Elliott as T.L. in ‘Landman’.

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Elliott also shared that accepting the role was an “easy” decision when Taylor Sheridan approached him. “I hadn’t worked since 1883,” he noted, referring to the 2021 prequel series to Yellowstone. “I talked to Taylor and he said, ‘I’m going to put your ass back to work.’ I said, ‘Okay, send me something.’ He sent me something and I said, ‘Okay, I’m all in.’

New episodes of Landman continue on Sundays on Paramount+