Taylor Sheridan slander? Ali Larter won’t stand for it.
One of the break out roles of Landman thus far has been Ali Larter as Angela. The series that tackles the dramatic ins-and-outs of the oil industry boasts an impressive cast, with the likes of Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore both playing major roles. But one role that really stood out in the first two seasons (and is sure to continue to do so as the successful series rolls on) is Angela – the complicated love interest of Billy Bob Thornton’s Tommy Norris.
The former Varsity Blues and Legally Blonde star has been blow away by the response to the show, and vividly remembers what it was like auditioning for – and then eventually getting – her role in the Taylor Sheridan show. She told The Hollywood Reporter that she’s benefited tremendously from being a part of the talented cast and crew:
“I was just so excited because I knew it was going to change my life. I didn’t know to this level, but I knew I was going to get to work with (Billy Bob Thornton) who is just such a profound genius who’s raised my game and made me a better actor. The whole cast elevates it. Stephen Kay (the show’s director) has raised me to the next level. I knew I was going to get to work with incredibly talented people, but then the success of it? You’re just like, so much gratitude.”
And there’s undoubtedly been some powerful scenes involving Angela in the show’s first two seasons… but there have been some critics claiming that Larter’s character is only present for sexualization. Admittedly, Angela was often seen wearing swimsuits, or clothing that drew some looks, but Ali Larter sees that as no problem whatsoever.
She knows that Taylor Sheridan isn’t out to degrade her or women as a whole. Taylor has been labeled a misogynist for a number of shows, including Yellowstone, 1923, and more, but Larter thinks all of the talk is ridiculous. She affirmed that she has full faith in Sheridan’s vision, and called out those who think otherwise:
“It’s just a false narrative… I also feel like what he does is, you just don’t see a lot of women in film and television that embrace their sexuality. It just stops at a certain age. I’m always amazed at how shocked people are by it (on Landman), and I’m thrilled, because it’s ridiculous…
I don’t think that you can pin him down. I think that he’s not going to come back into the machine that just wants to break him down. And he wants to work. He’s an extraordinarily hard worker. He’s a brilliant talent. He wants to do it his way. And I think that it’s very hard in our industry to do things your own way when you’re part of the machine.”
Sheridan doing things his way is going to ruffle some feathers along the way… but it’s also going to make for can’t-miss-TV that brings in monster ratings.
At the end of the day, Larter knows that Taylor Sheridan has helped her career tremendously. She was content with walking away from acting, but the Yellowstone creator recognized her talent and crafted the perfect role for her. Now, the opportunities are plentiful, but she’s more than happy to focus on – and enjoy her time with – Landman:
“People within the industry have been so complimentary towards me and just really happy for me. They knew it was in there, but I just needed the right writer and the right role. I got this chance, and I was able to rise to the occasion. It’s exciting to be 50 years old and to have it all opened up to me again.
I’m not jumping in — I turned down a couple movies… I’m not going to take something that doesn’t feel like it’s going to be the creative experience that I want to have, because I don’t need to right now… I have a show that I want to make. I think the doors are just opened again.”
The sky is truly the limit for Taylor Sheridan and Landman.
Season 3 has been already been confirmed and is in the works, and there’s a chance it premieres later this year. If it doesn’t, then Larter and company will return to our television screens in early 2027.
