{“title”:”Thornton Slams AI Exit Rumors”,”body”:”Billy Bob Thornton has shot down online chatter that he is walking away from Landman, branding the speculation “AI-generated crap.”
The 70-year-old actor, who has fronted the Paramount+ drama since its November 2024 debut, told USA Today that fabricated reports about his departure are baseless.
At a Glance
– Thornton calls exit rumors “AI-generated crap”
– Season 3 renewal already locked in last December
– Tommy Norris will keep steering the new company he launched in the finale
– Why it matters: Fans can bank on Thornton staying through the show’s future seasons
“There’s an AI report that Demi and I are a couple now, and there’s one that I’m leaving the show,” Thornton said. “They have nothing to do with reality.”
## Season 2 cliffhanger fuels gossip
The rumors gained traction after the sophomore run ended with Tommy Norris ousted as president of M-Tex by Cami (played by Demi Moore). Viewers last saw Tommy regrouping and plotting his next power play in the Texas oil patch.
Despite the on-screen shake-up, Thornton confirmed he will be back on set when production for season 3 begins. “I’ll be there,” he said plainly.
## Thornton commits to long haul
Speaking to USA Today, the Academy Award winner expressed enthusiasm about continuing the role: “It’s been great working with Sam \[Elliott\]. And I love doing the show. I’ll be here as long as it plays out. If it’s five years, great. If it’s six, I’m there.”
## What’s next for Tommy
Although an official logline has yet to be released, season 3 is expected to pick up with Tommy running his newly formed CTT Oil Exploration and Cattle. The ensemble confirmed to return alongside Thornton includes:
– Sam Elliott as T.L.
– Jacob Lofland as Cooper
– Colm Feore as Nathan
– Kayla Wallace as Rebecca
– James Jordan as Dale
– Ali Larter as Angela, Tommy’s ex-wife
Larter celebrated the renewal on Instagram in December: “So excited to announce we are coming back for season 3! Thank you to the fans that have made Landman such a massive success. Honored to work on this show with such exceptional actors and crew. Heart is full.”
## Off-screen Thornton keeps low profile
At a For Your Consideration event for the series in June, Thornton told News Of Los Angeles that he steers clear of Hollywood politics and prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight.
“Well, I kind of don’t. I stay home,” he said when asked how closely he relates to Tommy’s wheeling-and-dealing persona. “I mean, really, I don’t talk about politics and stuff with people. I just kind of stay out of it all. I’m not really much of a part of Hollywood, as you say. I’m at home with the family, or I’m in a recording studio or on the road or making this.”
He added, “Those are the things I do, and I just kind of mind my own business,” noting that portraying Tommy is “basically playing who I would be if I were a landman.”
## Key Takeaways
– Thornton labels departure gossip as false AI chatter
– Guaranteed return for season 3 already locked
– The actor intends to stay with the series for however many seasons the writers craft
All episodes of Landman season 2 are now streaming on Paramount+.
Sign up for News Of Los Angeles‘s free daily newsletter for more updates.“,”meta_description”:”Billy Bob Thornton slams AI rumors he’s leaving Landman, confirms season 3 return and long-term commitment to the Paramount+ hit.”,”categories”:[“Breaking News”,”Entertainment News”]}
