Paulina Chavez from Landman Shares Insights on Season 3 Plotlines
Even though Paulina Chávez is currently in the dark about the third season of Landman, she certainly has some fun theories to share with Us regarding potential plot twists.
“We’re totally in the dark,” Chávez, 23, who plays the role of Ariana, exclusively told Us Weekly at the launch of the National Pork Board’s new Explora Todo El Gusto Del Pork campaign. “I do assume we’ll delve deeper into the complex dynamics of the characters.”
Chávez is optimistic about her character’s future now that Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) is branching out on his own. She expressed, “We haven’t really explored how Ariana fits into the Norris family, and she’s yet to interact with [Ali Larter‘s] Angela. I’m really looking forward to that.”
While eagerly waiting for scripts for the hit Paramount+ series, Chávez took a moment to discuss all the exciting possibilities for Ariana. Fresh from her engagement to Cooper (Jacob Lofland), she envisions them reaching new significant milestones.
“It seems a small wedding [is in the cards]. But I also think this could be a great chance for Ariana to try something new for her family, like going to college or taking some night classes,” she shared. “Especially if she plans to spend more time with the baby and deepen her relationship with Cooper.”
Chávez elaborated: “She’s also supporting him in his ambitions and the family business. I can really see Ariana wanting to carve out a space for herself, contributing to the family, while perhaps being mentored by Rebecca, especially in ensuring they have legal protections.”
Chávez mentioned that Ariana would favor a “small” wedding, but that her future mother-in-law might have different ideas.
“Cooper and Ariana might take their time on that front, but we could be preparing for the wedding without it being shown until it’s actually happening,” she explained. “Mexican weddings tend to be extravagant. Angela really embodies that as a Latina mom — she’s loud, passionate, and open. She will likely want an over-the-top wedding. … Or maybe they’ll just elope at the courthouse.”
Chávez expressed her excitement about bringing their families together, saying, “I’d love for Cooper to experience the dynamic between Ariana and her parents. It would be amazing to see both families meet and navigate that.”
Even with their future plans, there’s one step in the relationship that Chávez doesn’t intend to rush. Acknowledging that her character has a baby with her late ex-husband, she emphasized that she hopes Ariana and Cooper won’t feel pressured to expand their family just yet.
“Sometimes, moving too fast is unnecessary. They still have so much to solidify in their relationship and work on personally,” she clarified. “Regardless, it’s bound to be an adventure.”
Chávez also shared her thoughts on the speculation that creator Taylor Sheridan may intertwine his various shows. Given the chance, she finds the idea of connecting Dutton Ranch from Yellowstone particularly exciting.
“Definitely Dutton Ranch. That would be an amazing crossover — as someone who has watched Yellowstone,” Chávez remarked to Us. “It would be fascinating.”
Before she returns to film the upcoming third season of Landman, Chávez is serving as the face of Explora Todo El Gusto Del Pork, a new lifestyle food brand from the National Pork Board.
“This initiative comes at a great time as it’s a fun way to showcase our culture, particularly how we bond over food. Pork is a staple in many of our beloved recipes, and I aim to pay tribute to the Latinas who came before us, especially our grandmas,” she expressed to Us. “I’m eager to share some of my grandma’s recipes and inspire the younger generation to keep our culinary traditions alive.”
“We didn’t preserve much of our family recipes, but fortunately, my sister sat down with my grandma and compiled a cookbook of our favorites. My absolute favorite is pozole. It’s a comforting stew, and we also make tamales rojos every year along with chilucas,” she added.
For Chávez, home-cooked meals from her mother hold a special place in her heart; she describes them as “superior.” She remarked, “I enjoy being home. I like cooking when necessary, but otherwise, nothing beats my mom’s cooking.”
Landman is available for streaming on Paramount+.
