Michelle Randolph from Landman Responds to Criticism of Ainsley
Michelle Randolph understands the polarizing nature of her character Ainsley in Landman.
The drama, created by Taylor Sheridan, launched on Paramount+ in November 2024, featuring Billy Bob Thornton as a corporate fixer for an oil tycoon played by Jon Hamm. Set in West Texas, the series presents high-stakes conflicts, but it was the viral moments between Randolph, 27, and her on-screen father where Ainsley discusses intimate topics while wearing provocative clothing that captured audience attention.
“Some of Ainsley’s lines are quite shocking, and there were times I thought, ‘How will I manage this?’” Randolph shared with The Hollywood Reporter a month later. “I strive to depict the most authentic version of this character, and I put considerable effort into that.”
Randolph spoke about the extensive preparation taken to embody Ainsley.
“I collaborated with a dialect coach, a movement coach, and an acting coach, and I studied diligently. I had nearly a year to prepare for her,” she explained about her technique for developing Ainsley. “This process was immensely beneficial for understanding the character. I worked hard to find justifications for her actions and create a fully-fleshed person, even if her dialogue doesn’t align with typical 17-year-old behavior – but such people exist.”
Reflecting on her work with Sheridan, Randolph noted that Landman required “tenfold more preparation” than 1923.
“I aimed to be careful in how Ainsley is portrayed. There are limits to what can be controlled, yet as an actor, a significant degree of control exists,” she noted. “Being around Ali [Larter], Billy, and Jacob [Lofland], along with the Texas setting, contributed greatly to shaping Ainsley into a complete character. She embodies a free-spirited essence that I wholeheartedly enjoyed portraying.”
Continue reading for Randolph’s insightful quotes about her portrayal of a contentious character in Landman:
Addressing the Controversy
“It’s difficult to ignore the negative feedback,” Randolph confided to The Hollywood Reporter regarding the audience reaction to Ainsley’s role. “However, I disassociate from it. I received the script, read it, and formed my viewpoints.”
She emphasized that her involvement ended once filming wrapped, stating, “My part concluded after my last day on set; then the show was presented to audiences. While I can’t dictate how people perceive my character, I’m proud that it stirs conversation.”
Encouraging Patience with Ainsley
Randolph urged viewers to allow Ainsley space for growth, saying to The Hollywood Reporter, “She’s a 17-year-old navigating her life. Ainsley comprehends more than what viewers get to observe. She has the capability to manipulate her father and mother, showcasing an understanding of how to achieve her needs, while still loving her family.”
She added: “Ainsley is on a journey of self-discovery, meeting new peers, and experiencing school life. She’s not merely the problematically portrayed young daughter; she’s an individual. We witness just a fraction, around 5 percent, of Ainsley. As the series progresses, I hope for audiences to experience her full depth.”
As the mastermind behind Yellowstone and its numerous spin-offs, Taylor Sheridan stands as a pivotal figure at Paramount Network — yet the Yellowstone universe is just one aspect of his expansive portfolio. Unlike other high-profile producers, such as Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes, who collaborate with various writers and directors for their projects, Sheridan’s work deeply intertwines across his narratives.
Creating Ainsley
The actress found it challenging to accurately portray Ainsley during the initial episodes.
“Launching a show is tough because the character’s full essence isn’t immediately known. Understanding who she becomes in episode 10 was a challenge while episode 1 was being released. I felt that wasn’t the complete picture!” Randolph remarked to Deadline in January 2025. “Meeting a fully formed character right away doesn’t allow for growth, which can dim the viewing experience. I’m grateful we introduced Ainsley at her starting point, and I hope that by the series’ end, we’ll see her evolve.”
Character Growth and Discovery
“Upon reading [the scripts], I had to process. Eventually, it became clear that was Ainsley’s character. Once I discovered her, she never caught me off guard,” Randolph recalled in a People interview that same month. “It was intriguing to observe the audience reaction, given how much time I had spent with the character. It felt like, ‘Okay, we’re all going to navigate this perception together.’”
Embracing the Character’s Authenticity
Randolph addressed the criticism aimed at her character, expressing, “Embracing one’s sexuality should be viewed positively. If that aligns with your identity, it’s essential to stay authentic to oneself, which Ainsley embodies.” She emphasized that being 17 comes with developmental nuances. “As she matures, she’ll create more boundaries and gain a better grasp of the world’s complexities. But for now, she is navigating the lessons of her upbringing and will assess their correctness or necessity for change.”
Ultimately, Randolph shared no regrets about her involvement in Landman, stating, “I take great pride in the show we’ve created, and therefore I didn’t dwell on audience perceptions. I’ve mentioned previously that I disassociated during particular scenes, which is natural. I completed my role during filming, closed that chapter, and now I look forward to continuing Ainsley’s journey.”
