Billy Bob Thornton Urges Recognition for Taylor Sheridan in ‘Landman’
Billy Bob Thornton spoke about his intention to have Landman creator Taylor Sheridan recognized for his contributions.
“If you disagree with someone’s style or approach, that’s not the issue,” Thornton, 70, told Us Weekly during the Newport Beach TV Fest, which was sponsored by Visit Newport Beach on Saturday, June 6.
The actor emphasized that Sheridan should be evaluated based on his body of work.
“The important question is, is he talented? He writes incredible content. He’s built quite an empire,” Thornton added. “And that deserves respect. He’s achieved fame and success; he really should be honored for his work.”
Following the success of Yellowstone on Paramount Network, Sheridan expanded his universe with prequels, spinoffs, and new series like Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, and Tulsa King.
Yellowstone received only one Emmy nomination for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program in 2021.
“I believe much of it is political. I truly do,” Thornton said in an interview with Variety in January. “Some people perceive Taylor as some kind of right-wing figure, but he really isn’t.”
Thornton highlighted how Sheridan’s shows have gone unrecognized despite breaking streaming records.
“Even though this show revolves around the oil industry, he simply depicts reality. He’s not advocating for oil,” he clarified. “It’s about the people in this industry and those affected by it, the families involved; this is their reality.”
Thornton further noted: “These are the real challenges, joys, and triumphs that occur in this world. It’s a world of uncertainty, where anything can happen. But, I think people misinterpret it.”
Thornton’s remarks followed Sheridan’s assertion that his shows do not have a conservative agenda.
“They label it as ‘the conservative show’ or ‘the Republican show’ or ‘the red-state Game of Thrones,’” he told The Atlantic in 2022. “And I just sit back and laugh. I’m like, ‘Seriously?’”
He concluded: “The show addresses the displacement of Native Americans and the treatment of Native American women, along with corporate greed and the gentrification of the West and land acquisition. That’s a red-state show?”
Landman is available for streaming on Paramount+.
