Ali Larter is bringing real heart to her role in Landman, and it turns out the secret sauce is a personal touch straight from Taylor Sheridan’s home life. Larter revealed that the most likable part of her character, Angela, is actually based on Sheridan’s wife, Nicole. That grounded, no-nonsense charm – that’s all Nicole.
It gave Larter a fresh way into the role, making Angela more than just a tough oil town woman. It’s a rare peek into how TS blends real-world inspiration into his scripts to shape characters that feel lived-in and genuinely human.
Angela’s heart came from home: Taylor Sheridan’s wife inspired Ali Larter’s most grounded storyline
As was reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Ali Larter revealed that the “best part” of Angela is inspired by Landman creator Taylor Sheridan’s wife, Nicole, whose big-hearted presence shaped one of the show’s most grounded storylines. That twist (Angela finding joy and purpose working with seniors) didn’t come out of nowhere. Nicole does the exact same thing in real life, and it gave Larter’s character a dose of genuine soul.
A lot of his stories are inspired by his wife. She does that. She goes to the homes here and has these incredible relationships. She plays games and sets up a bar for them. It’s the way it should be… Nicole [Sheridan] has really opened up this world of the way that we can see senior citizens, how we can treat them and have fun with them, and how little effort it takes to bring so much happiness to someone’s life.
Season two has Angela stepping into new territory, supporting Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton), reconnecting with family, and stepping up for her community. Larter says this character lets her tap into all sides of herself, from flash and sass to fragility and grit.
Off-screen, things are just as busy. The former model’s been splitting time between Landman’s Texas set and her family in Idaho, flying back for school events and spring break visits. It’s been a full-on juggle – 16-hour days on set, flights back and forth, and squeezing in parenting wherever possible.
But through it all, Angela keeps growing, and thanks to a little real-life inspiration, she’s one of Sheridan’s most relatable creations to date.
Billy Bob Thornton didn’t see Landman exploding; now, season 2 ups the stakes with new faces and deeper drama
Billy Bob Thornton didn’t see Landman blowing up the way it did. The Paramount+ series became the streamer’s biggest premiere in two years and cracked the top 10 original streaming shows in late 2024.
Filming for season two is already underway and should wrap by August. Thornton’s fully on board with where it’s headed, crediting Taylor Sheridan’s steady vision. In an interview with THR, he said,
We knew it was going to be successful — we didn’t know it was going to be this successful.
The new season brings in Sam Elliott and expands Andy Garcia’s role, with Thornton confirming both have been longtime friends. Ali Larter teased deeper family moments ahead, Jacob Lofland praised the scripts, and Demi Moore is back with more screen time. Michelle Randolph, meanwhile, is headed to theaters with a new horror thriller, Malibu.
Watch Landman on Paramount Plus & Apple TV.
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