In a stunning twist, Billy Bob Thornton has sent shockwaves through fans of Paramount+’s Landman by hinting he may not return for the second season, saying, “Perhaps I won’t return,” in a cryptic interview with The Hollywood Reporter on August 10, 2025. Thornton, who stars as Tommy Norris, the rough-around-the-edges oilman in Taylor Sheridan’s hit series, left viewers reeling with his ambiguous statement, casting doubt on his role in the show’s future despite its confirmed renewal in March 2025, per TV Guide.
Landman, which premiered in November 2024, became Paramount+’s most-watched original, with Season 1’s gritty portrayal of the West Texas oil industry earning high praise. Thornton’s performance as Tommy, navigating crises from drug cartels to family drama, was a cornerstone of its success, per MEAWW. However, his recent comments suggest uncertainty, stating, “I love the show, but sometimes you gotta let things breathe.” This follows his earlier concerns about renewal, expressed in January 2025 to Fandomwire, where he admitted, “I just don’t know if we’re going to have a second season.”
Fans on X are in an uproar, with one posting, “No Thornton, no Landman! What’s Sheridan thinking?” Others speculate his comment might be a negotiation tactic, as Thornton hinted at creative differences, per JoBlo. Meanwhile, Season 2, now in production, will feature Sam Elliott as a series regular and a larger role for Demi Moore as Cami Miller, per People. The absence of Jon Hamm, whose character died in Season 1, already shifts the dynamic, making Thornton’s potential exit even more jarring.
Despite Thornton’s remarks, sources close to production told Variety that negotiations are ongoing, with no final decision on his departure. Sheridan’s vision for Season 2, exploring Tommy’s new role as M-Tex Oil’s president, relies heavily on Thornton’s charisma, per ScreenRant. Fans hope his comment is a bluff, with one X user writing, “Billy Bob’s just keeping us on edge!” As Landman prepares for a late 2025 premiere, Thornton’s uncertain future looms large, leaving viewers anxious for clarity on the fate of their favorite oilman.
