Michelle Randolph Opens Up About 'Landman' Success and Co-Star Chemistry
In an exclusive interview conducted during a Toronto blizzard, rising star Michelle Randolph shared insights into her role on the hit Paramount+ series Landman. The actress, who plays Ainsley Norris, the spirited daughter of Billy Bob Thornton's Tommy and Ali Larter's Angela, revealed the genuine connection she shares with her on-screen mother extends far beyond the camera.
A Real-Life Bond That Translates to Screen
"I was on the phone with her for 40 minutes at lunch," Randolph, 28, disclosed about her recent conversation with Larter. "We clicked immediately when we met. We were each other's sounding boards for Season 1 when we were still figuring out where we fit into this show."
This authentic rapport between the two actresses has become a cornerstone of the show's dynamic family drama, which has captivated audiences for two seasons and recently earned a renewal for a third.
The Taylor Sheridan Formula for Success
Co-created by Yellowstone mastermind Taylor Sheridan and based on Christian Wallace's Boomtown podcast, Landman immerses viewers in the gritty world of West Texas oil and gas. The ensemble drama features an impressive cast including Thornton, Larter, Sam Elliott, Demi Moore, and Andy Garcia.
"He's a genius. There's a map in this man's brain ... I don't know how he does it," Randolph said of Sheridan's creative process. The series has proven wildly successful, with its second-season premiere achieving more than 9.2 million streaming views in its first two days on Paramount+.
From Cowboy Camp to Cheerleading Camp
Randolph's journey to Landman included unique preparation methods. After attending "cowboy camp" for her role in Sheridan's 1923 spinoff, she found herself at Texas Christian University for "cheerleading camp" to prepare for her character Ainsley.
"I kept asking myself, 'What is this life? I'm playing an 18-year-old and I'm at cheer camp right now,'" she recalled with amusement.
The Norris Family's Future and Show's Universal Appeal
When asked about the pressure of returning for Season 2, Randolph expressed feeling more confident: "In Season 1, it was scary to play a character and not know how she was going to be received. But with Season 2, I felt like I had a better sense of what the show was and how it all fit together."
She attributes the show's widespread appeal to its central theme: "Because of family. That's something everyone can relate to. It's a very crazy family and everyone has a bit of crazy in their family."
Working with Legends and Looking Ahead
Randolph expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside established actors like Thornton and Larter: "They bring so much to the show and to my life. They've become very important people to me. They're just so excited about the show and they're present on the set in Texas. I'm so lucky to work with such legends."
While she remains uncertain about specific plot developments for Season 3, Randolph shared her enthusiasm for exploring Ainsley's character further: "She's such a light character ... I would love to see that happen. We know who she is when she's around her mom and dad and her brother. I'm excited to see her on her own and navigating her own life outside of her family."
Personal Touches and Future Projects
During the conversation, Randolph revealed her current musical obsession and road trip preferences, noting her preference for audiobooks during long drives. She also briefly touched on her upcoming role in Scream 7, though details remain under wraps.
All episodes of Landman Seasons 1 and 2 are currently available for streaming on Paramount+, with production for Season 3 underway following the show's successful reception among viewers seeking compelling family drama within an industrial backdrop.
