Hollywood star Billy Bob Thornton has directly addressed and dismissed swirling speculation that he is set to exit the popular drama series Landman after its second season. The actor, who plays petroleum expert Tommy Norris, has confirmed he will be back for the show's third outing.
Rumours of a Shocking Departure
Following the epic season two finale, which aired on Sunday, 18th January 2026, rumours began to circulate that the Paramount+ hit might undergo a major shake-up. Reports suggested Thornton's central role could be axed altogether, mirroring the surprise departure of Kevin Costner from Taylor Sheridan's other series, Yellowstone. Costner left his role as John Dutton midway through that show's fifth season, causing significant delays.
Landman has become a major success for the streaming service, captivating millions with its tale of legal battles, devastating accidents, and cartel confrontations in the oil industry. The season two finale saw Tommy Norris fired by his boss Cami Miller, played by Demi Moore, leading him to start his own oil company with his son, Cooper.
Thornton Sets the Record Straight
In a recent interview with USA Today, Thornton firmly denied the claims of his exit, attributing them to false online reports. "There’s an AI report that Demi [Moore] and I are a couple now, and there’s one that I’m leaving the show," Thornton stated. "They have nothing to do with reality."
The actor confirmed that he will return to set when production for the third season begins, which is reportedly scheduled for April or May of this year. He expressed great enthusiasm for the project, particularly highlighting his experience working with Sam Elliott, who portrays his on-screen father.
"It’s been great working with Sam. And I love doing the show," Thornton said. "I’ll be here as long as it plays out. If it’s five years, great. If it’s six, I’m there."
What's Next for Landman?
With Thornton's future secured, fans can expect the core cast to return for the new season. This includes series regulars such as:
- Ali Larter
- Michelle Randolph
- Paulina Chávez
- Kayla Wallace
- Andy Garcia
While creator Taylor Sheridan has a history of parting ways with lead actors, there is currently no official indication that Thornton will depart Landman. The show continues to be a flagship title for Paramount+, with all episodes available to stream on the platform now.
