When Landman Season 2 rolls onto our screens, one mustachioed legend will be leading the charge. That’s right, Sam Elliott — the gravel-voiced, slow-drawled icon of all things Western — is reportedly joining the cast of Taylor Sheridan’s Texas-sized oil drama. And let’s just say, fans are already boot-scooting with excitement.
While Paramount+ hasn’t dropped an official press release yet, entertainment insider Matthew Belloni confirmed that Elliott is on board. He won’t just be popping in for a cameo either. Word is, he’s playing a major role opposite Billy Bob Thornton’s Tommy Norris. So naturally, the only question that matters now is: who the heck is Sam Elliott playing?
One Sheridan Vet Joins Another
First things first, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Sheridan Cinematic Universe pulling another ace out of its dusty denim sleeve. Sam Elliott already made waves in Sheridan’s 1883, where he played the heartbreakingly heroic Shea Brennan. That role earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and no shortage of teary-eyed fans. So putting Elliott back in a cowboy hat (real or metaphorical) feels like a slam dunk.
It also makes sense. Sheridan’s shows are built on complex men, big landscapes, and high-stakes legacy. Elliott, with his timeless Old West swagger and moral gravity, fits right in.
So, Who Could He Be Playing?
This is where things get fun. Since no official character description has dropped, we’re in full-on speculation mode. But there are some juicy, plausible theories floating around.
Let’s break down a few:
- The Weathered Oilman: Maybe Elliott plays a grizzled industry vet. The type who struck oil with a coffee can and prayer. He could be someone Tommy Norris leans on—or someone who once taught him the ropes.
- A Ruthless Rival: Elliott could just as easily be Tommy’s competition. Think cigar-chomping oil baron who believes fracking is fine dining. He’d go head-to-head with Thornton in a face-off dripping with cowboy grit.
- The Quiet Powerbroker: Perhaps he’s the man behind the curtain. A boardroom ghost with a boot in every deal. Quiet, deadly, respected by all, and feared by most.
- Tommy’s Grizzled Guardian Angel: Okay, hear us out. What if he’s a conscience-type character? An old friend, a mentor, maybe even a hallucination or spirit guide who pops up when Tommy’s at his lowest. We’re not saying Landman is going supernatural, but hey, stranger things have happened in prestige TV.
Regardless of the role, pairing Elliott with Thornton guarantees fireworks. These are two actors who don’t just chew scenery—they slow-cook it.
What We Know About Season 2 (So Far)
Filming for Landman Season 2 is already underway in Fort Worth, Texas. And while Paramount+ is playing coy on plot points, we’ve got a few nuggets to chew on.
The production recently put out a casting call for Texas Christian University students to play environmental protesters. That hints at upcoming storylines tackling the political and social backlash of the oil game. Landman isn’t just about the money pumps—it’s about the human toll too.
Add Sam Elliott to that mix? Well, things just got a lot more interesting. If he ends up playing an oilman with a conscience, we could see sparks fly in more ways than one.
Sheridan Keeps Building His Empire
Let’s zoom out for a sec. Taylor Sheridan is stacking his roster like an NFL draft room. From Yellowstone to Tulsa King, the guy knows how to cast a show. And Sam Elliott? That’s a first-round pick.
Sheridan clearly loves working with actors who carry weight—both literally and dramatically. Elliott’s presence elevates every scene. He walks in, and suddenly the air gets thicker. The stakes feel heavier.
So whether he’s butting heads with Thornton or quietly guiding the next gen of oilmen, he’ll bring that trademark gravity.
Fans Are Already Buzzing
Even without a trailer, Landman fans are fired up. On Reddit, one viewer said, “Sam Elliott is apparently coming on board for S2 so that’ll help!” And yeah, it absolutely will.
Social feeds are lighting up with reactions ranging from wild theories to joyful gifs. It’s the kind of buzz money can’t buy. People don’t just like Sam Elliott—they trust him. He’s the cinematic equivalent of a well-worn saddle.
If Sheridan wants to win over any doubters from Season 1 or pull in new viewers, casting Elliott is a strategic masterstroke.
Final Thoughts from the Front Porch
So, who is Sam Elliott playing in Landman? We don’t know for sure. But whatever role he takes, it’s going to matter.
Because when you bring Sam Elliott into a show like this, you’re not just adding a character. You’re adding history, presence, and a whole lot of slow-burning charisma.
So grab your popcorn—and maybe a Stetson. Landman Season 2 just became appointment television.
