Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed series Landman is poised for a dramatic return with its second season on Paramount+, promising a seismic shift in power dynamics, the forging of uneasy and unexpected alliances, and the chilling evolution of its central figure, Tommy Norris, portrayed with nuanced intensity by Billy Bob Thornton. Filming is currently underway across key locations in Texas, including Fort Worth and the vast, oil-rich Permian Basin, setting the stage for a narrative deeply entrenched in the gritty realities of the modern oil boom.

The inaugural season concluded with the pivotal and shocking death of Monty Miller, a moment that abruptly propelled Tommy Norris into the leadership seat of M-Tex Oil. Suddenly at the helm of a company built on high-stakes deals, relentless ambition, and intricate political maneuvering, Tommy found himself navigating a perilous new world. A defining moment of this transition was his negotiation with cartel boss Galino, whose intervention had saved Tommy’s life in the Season 1 finale. This uneasy alliance between a legitimate, albeit ruthless, oil enterprise and a powerful criminal organization marks the genesis of a dangerous entanglement, one that blurs the lines between corporate strategy and illicit power.

Season 2 dives deeper into this morally murky territory, meticulously exploring Tommy’s evolving relationship with Galino. No longer content to operate from the shadows as an external threat or a transient facilitator, Galino now seeks a direct entry into the oil industry, not as an outsider but as a fully integrated partner. This proposition represents a monumental risk for Tommy, forcing him to confront a stark dilemma: embrace this perilous alliance and potentially legitimize a criminal empire, or resist it and risk not only his burgeoning power but possibly his life. The tension inherent in this choice forms a central pillar of the new season’s conflict, transforming commercial dealings into a high-stakes game of survival.

Adding another layer of complexity to the internal landscape of M-Tex Oil, Cami Miller, played by Demi Moore, is also stepping into a role of greater authority. Her ascension promises to ignite internal conflict within the company, as she and Tommy navigate the treacherous waters of leadership. Their combined efforts will be crucial in attempting to stabilize M-Tex amidst formidable external threats and volatile partnerships. A significant part of their joint endeavor will involve safeguarding the late patriarch’s legacy, ensuring that Monty Miller’s vision, however flawed, continues to guide the company while adapting to the brutal new realities of the oil market. The dynamic between Tommy and Cami is expected to be a focal point, exploring themes of shared grief, conflicting leadership styles, and the immense pressure of living up to a powerful predecessor.

Season 2 also introduces a major casting shakeup that signals significant shifts in tone and hierarchy: the legendary Sam Elliott has joined the series in a pivotal, yet undisclosed, role. While specific details about his character remain tightly under wraps, Elliott’s commanding presence and iconic gravitas immediately suggest the arrival of a formidable new player. His character is widely anticipated to be a rival powerful enough to challenge not only the established might of M-Tex Oil but also the burgeoning influence of the cartel. Whether he represents an old-guard oil baron fighting for traditional control, a new and aggressive competitor looking to exploit the unstable market, or perhaps even a government or legal authority aiming to dismantle the criminal elements infiltrating the industry, his introduction promises to further escalate the already intense drama. His presence could force Tommy and Galino into even more precarious positions, or perhaps even forge an unexpected temporary alliance against a common, greater threat.

The returning cast members who will continue to flesh out the world of Landman include Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, Kayla Wallace, Colm Feore, and James Jordan, each contributing to the intricate web of relationships and power struggles. Andy Garcia, whose portrayal of Galino was impactful in the first season, is slated to play an even more prominent role, underscoring the cartel’s deepening financial and strategic interest in the oil sector. New additions to the ensemble include Guy Burnet, Miriam Silverman, and Stefania Spampinato, whose characters are expected to further enrich the narrative, potentially introducing new alliances, betrayals, or personal stakes into the unfolding drama.

Thematically, the new season continues its incisive exploration of ambition, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of power set against the backdrop of the modern West Texas oil boom. Co-creator Christian Wallace has indicated that the central conflict of this season will resemble a high-stakes chess match between Tommy and Galino—two cunning and ruthless men circling each other in a game where the rules are constantly shifting, and the stakes are existential. This intellectual and strategic battle, layered with brute force and moral compromise, promises to be a gripping core to the narrative.

Billy Bob Thornton has hinted at Tommy Norris’s increasingly darker evolution. Now firmly in charge, Tommy is no longer the reluctant participant he once was. He has shed the vestiges of innocence and stepped fully into the role of a shrewd operator, making audacious deals, forging calculated alliances, and demonstrating a willingness to cut ties when necessary to secure his position and the future of M-Tex. The psychological toll of this transformation, as Tommy grapples with the ethical boundaries he must cross for survival and control, will be a critical aspect of his character arc. The line between what is necessary for survival and what constitutes an unforgivable compromise is portrayed as thinner than ever, pushing Tommy to the brink.

Set to premiere in November 2025, Landman Season 2 is poised to intensify the drama significantly, promising bigger moves, bolder betrayals, and fewer second chances for its characters. The narrative transcends mere acquisition of resources; this time, the ultimate prize is not just oil—it is absolute control. Tommy Norris is done playing nice, and the unforgiving landscape of West Texas, with its volatile mix of immense wealth and brutal lawlessness, better be ready for the formidable force he has become. The season will delve into the profound consequences of power, exploring how it corrupts, transforms, and ultimately defines the destinies of those who wield it in the cutthroat world of oil.