Ali Larter, who plays Angela in the Paramount+ series 'Landman,' shared her enthusiasm for the character in a recent Variety interview. She highlighted the boldness of co-creator Taylor Sheridan in crafting a vibrant woman in her late 40s, despite some fans' initial confusion. Larter also addressed early-season backlash and noted Angela's aspirational appeal to many viewers.
In the second season of 'Landman,' which premiered on Paramount+, Ali Larter portrays Angela, the ex-wife and current fiancée of lead character Tommy, played by Billy Bob Thornton. Angela embarks on lively side adventures with her daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph), including extravagant spending, mansion shopping, themed dinners, and a casino win in Episode 8, 'Handsome Touched Me,' aired on January 4, 2026.
Speaking to Variety at the season's start, Larter expressed her joy in embodying the 'emotionally complex' Angela. 'I think it’s incredible that Taylor’s writing for a woman in her late ’40s who’s still very alive in her body, who still wants to be intimate with her husband,' she said. 'Is that why it’s so confusing to some people? I think that Taylor is a provocateur, and we’d like to put a mirror up to certain things, so I think that’s part of it.'
Larter described Angela's rekindled romance with Tommy as reminiscent of high school, emphasizing the character's defiance of societal norms. 'I love playing a woman that’s this alive,' she added. '[Angela and Tommy] kind of feel like they’re in high school again. They’re rekindling this love story, and for me to play a woman who just doesn’t care about all the judgment of others is so freeing. ... There’s something so delicious about playing a character who does it by her rules, who just lives her life as she wants to live it, who loves hard and free.'
She encounters fans who aspire to Angela's boldness, particularly women seeking to break free from expectations. At this stage in her career, Larter finds the role exciting for its depth.
Addressing fan frustration from Season 1's early episodes, Larter explained the show's family focus wasn't immediately clear. 'People only saw the first two episodes, and Taylor loves to throw you a hook,' she said. 'Nobody knew ... that our show was really about the family. ... I think that when you only see one or two episodes, it’s really hard to understand the kind of work that we put in for the entire season.' Sheridan, she noted, has a clear vision for multiple seasons.
