‘Landman’s Ali Larter Teases Angela’s Journey Going Into Season 2

With production fully firing down in West Texas, Landman‘s Ali Larter is opening up about her character’s chaotic charm, her favorite moments with Billy Bob Thornton, and what to expect from Angela’s evolution in Season 2. Spoiler: it’s going to be loud, and probably sexy, and as authentic as possible. When Larter first showed up as Angela Norris — the brash, big-personality ex-wife of Thornton’s Tommy Norris — she was just a voice on a FaceTime call, all attitude and acrylics. But as the season unfolded, so did Angela, emerging not just in person but in full emotional technicolor. The ex-wife, the mother, the unapologetically overdressed tornado of a woman stormed into Midland, Texas, and the show was better for it.

“She’s the reverse-engineer of a trophy wife,” Larter told TVLine. “She’s going back to her roots and the man that she loves — and still she likes to be sexy and she likes a good meal, you know?”

It’s easy to label Angela as over-the-top, especially with her home makeovers and uninvited family dinners. But Larter points out that beneath the glitter and glamour is a woman deeply wounded, estranged from her son and desperate for real connection.

“She’s complex, she’s an emotional tornado,” Larter said. “And when she’s introduced on a show, you don’t really know where it’s going. Because [series creator] Taylor Sheridan has this magical way of bringing something in and then catching you. And then you really watch her break.”

Towards the end of Season 1, we saw Angela attempt reconciliation — on her terms — with Tommy. In return, she got emotional pushback, culminating in one of the season’s most gut-punching exchanges. Tommy essentially tells her: Do whatever you want. Just don’t expect appreciation. But of course, things worked out.

Ali Larter Loves Working With Billy Bob Thornton

Despite their firecracker fights and endless complications, Angela and Tommy’s love story remains at the heart of Landman. And while Larter and Thornton are polar opposites in real life, they found instant chemistry in their characters.

“We are so different. Me and Billy in real life are complete opposites,” Larter said in a recent CBS Mornings Plus interview. “But when we came together… we both loved the material, and we found the love in these two characters. As much as they’re sparring all the time, they love each other for their flaws.”

Landman is currently filming its second season in Fort Worth, Texas, and Larter promised there’s more to come for Angela. “When I went down there to screen test, it was like I had to play Angela,” she said. “She’s so provocative and so free and bold and feisty. But then what Taylor does is he really shows you the vulnerable side and where you crumble.”

Landman Season 1 is now streaming on Paramount+. Season 2 is currently in production.