Andy Garcia shares insights into his character Gallino on Taylor Sheridan's Landman, revealing how the role was tailored for him based on his past work. In a new interview, Garcia describes the onscreen tension with Billy Bob Thornton's Tommy and the off-screen camaraderie that made filming enjoyable. The discussion highlights Gallino's debut and backstory in the Paramount+ series' second season.
Role Development
Andy Garcia's portrayal of Gallino, a cartel boss in the Permian Basin, was specifically created for him by Landman co-creator Taylor Sheridan. Garcia explained that Sheridan approached him before writing the part, drawing inspiration from Garcia's performance in the 1986 film Eight Million Ways to Die, where he played a young drug dealer. 'He was a fan of a movie I did many years ago called ‘Eight Million Ways to Die,’ and I played this crazy young drug guy, and he killed people. Not so much like Gallino, but maybe it’s Gallino when he was 18,' Garcia said.
Sheridan tailors roles to actors' voices and personas, as seen with Billy Bob Thornton and Sam Elliott. Garcia influenced Gallino's backstory, suggesting the character hails from the Caribbean with ties to South America, possibly growing up in Miami before settling in Fort Worth. 'He got to the Permian Basin because he’s the guy who has access to where the source is, where the product is coming from,' Garcia noted. Sheridan described Gallino as integrated into society and living under the radar.
Onscreen Feud and Set Dynamics
Gallino debuted in the Season 1 finale, sparing Tommy's life and hinting at future business ties. In Season 2, Episode 3, 'Almost a Home,' which premiered on November 30 on Paramount+, their interaction escalates when Tommy discovers a major oil partnership involving Gallino's firm and Cooper (Jacob Lofland). This leads to a heated standoff and drinks at the Cattlemen’s Club.
Off-screen, Garcia and Thornton share a longstanding friendship. 'I was embraced first of all by Billy, who’s the most generous. There’s a mutual respect there,' Garcia said. He emphasized the bonding among actors, noting that strong performances rely on collaboration with co-stars.