Ali Larter on finding unexpected chemistry with Billy Bob Thornton in ‘Landman’

Ali Larter says that she and co-star Billy Bob Thornton may be complete opposites in real life, but they found a common love for their characters in their new show “Landman.”

The new Paramount+ series is set in the world of West Texas oil rigs, created by Taylor Sheridan – who is also the person behind “Yellowstone” – drifts into the lives of workers and the impact big oil has on their communities.

At the core of the series strikes the complicated relationship between Larter and Thorton’s characters, the divorced couple Angela and Tommy Norris.

“We’re so different. Me and Billy in real life are complete opposites,” Larter told “CBS Mornings Plus.” “But when we came together… we both loved the material and we found the love in these two characters. Because as much as they spar all the time, they love each other for their faults and there’s not a lot of judgement.”

After auditioning and learning more about the character, Larter said she was hooked.

“When I went down there to screen test, it was like I had to play Angela because she’s so provocative and so free and brave and bubbly,” she said. “But what (Sheridan) does is he really shows you the vulnerable side and where you crumble.”

Larter said the series feels real because it’s based on the podcast “Boomtown” by Christian Wallace, which ran for a year. oil platforms and in men’s camps. This real-world experience is reflected in the show, with on-set experts ensuring accuracy in every detail.

“To be able to get a real eye into this world is very special,” Larter said.

“Landman” premieres Sunday, November 17 exclusively on Paramount+, which, like CBS, is part of Paramount Global.