Landman Co-Creator Shares Surprising Distinction Between Real Landmen and Their Portrayal

In the world of television, workplace dramas often blur the lines between realism and entertainment. Such is the case for “Landman,”where the tumultuous life of Tommy Norris, portrayed by the talented Billy Bob Thornton, diverges significantly from the everyday reality faced by actual landmen in the oil industry.

While audiences are captivated by Tommy’s high-stakes encounters—with drug lords, personal loss, and the pressures of fatherhood—there lies a substantial gap in understanding the more mundane aspects of a landman’s job.

The Unseen Work: A Closer Look at a Landman’s Reality

In an insightful interview with Deadline, the show’s creator Christian Wallace elaborated on the significant difference between Tommy’s thrills and the true daily grind of landmen. He candidly noted, “The role of a landman in our show is much more exciting than 99% of the work that landmen do in the real world.”

What is a Landman? Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris standing by an oil rig — Paramount

This dramatic disparity is partly due to the multifaceted role Tommy embodies within the M-Tex organization. Wallace explained, “Billy’s character, Tommy, he’s really kind of a Swiss army knife of roles. He’s performing an array of tasks that wouldn’t typically fall under a landman’s job description.” This creative decision was intended to showcase the diverse nature of the industry and the complexities of oil exploration.

Wallace and co-creator Taylor Sheridan understood the necessity of presenting Tommy’s varied experiences. “We needed Tommy’s character to be able to engage in multiple roles and experiences,” Wallace continued, “otherwise, the reality would simply involve him sitting at a desk, sorting leases, and handling regulatory compliance—certainly not engaging television.”

Despite its departure from the reality of paperwork and regulatory tedium, “Landman”has resonated strongly with viewers. The first season wraps up on January 12, 2025, exclusively on Paramount+, promising more twists and riveting storytelling.

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