Sam Elliott had no choice but to join the cast of Landman… at least that’s how he explains his conversation with Taylor Sheridan.
The Landman and Yellowstone creator often writes parts with specific actors and actresses in mind. Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm have both previously spoke on how relaxed and straightforward joining a Taylor Sheridan show is. Basically, you hear from Sheridan about a part, you meet with Sheridan, and then you work with him.
No nonsense.
It was Puck’s Matthew Belloni that first reported that Elliott would likely join the cast of Landman in the show’s second act. The seasoned cowboy-type – who turned 80-years-old last year – will reunite with show creator Taylor Sheridan on this other hit series of his.
Fans of anything and everything Taylor Sheridan will likely remember that Sam Elliott formerly starred in Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel series 1883, playing Shea Brennan. Funny enough, that prequel also featured Billy Bob Thornton. Taylor Sheridan must have liked the on-screen chemistry that he saw from the pair and decided to “run it back,” if you will. I think it’ll be a very popular decision by the show runner.
Elliott joins the fan-favorite cast to carry the show past the death of Jon Hamm’s Monty Miller. It only makes sense that Sheridan would bring in another A-lister since Hamm, to borrow a quote from basketball coaching great Rick Pitino, “won’t be walking through that door.” And the best part about it all? Sam Elliott will play the father of Tommy Norris, so he’ll be in a role that shares a good amount of screen time with Billy Bob Thornton.
And it’s a role that Taylor Sheridan knew was meant to be filled by Sam Elliot.
The beloved, mustachioed actor spoke to USA Today recently about joining the all-star cast of Landman. As I mentioned earlier, there wasn’t really an audition process for the role of Tommy Norris’ father. In fact, most of the casting decision was taken care of through text message.
Sam Elliot wasn’t necessarily looking for work, but the work came looking for him. He says that he was content with staying at home, and really only joined onto Landman because Taylor Sheridan twisted his arm a bit. Now, Elliot is grateful that Sheridan was so dead set on bringing him back to work together again:
“I told Taylor that offers come in, but that he really spoiled me with ‘1883.’ That I was having a nice time at home. And Taylor wrote back, saying, ‘I’m going to get your a** back to work.’ That was his comment. I didn’t know what he was talking about. Taylor told me, ‘Buddy, I’m not going without you.’ It was the greatest gift.”
Not only was it a great gift for Elliott… it’s a wonderful blessing for fans of Landman. The cast is already chock-full of high caliber talent, and the addition of Sam Elliott alongside the likes of Thornton, Ali Larter, Demi Moore and Andy Garcia will only help to elevate the hit show to greater heights.
Season 2 is set to premiere on Paramount+ this Sunday, November 16.
