Billy Bob Thornton Defies Hollywood, Pushes for ‘Common Sense’ Political Party – ‘I Don’t Talk Politics Publicly, But…’ [WATCH]

Hollywood star Billy Bob Thornton is known for marching to the beat of his own drum, and now he’s proving it once again by breaking the entertainment industry’s unspoken rules on politics and storytelling.

Best known for his Academy Award-winning work in Sling Blade, Thornton is currently starring in Taylor Sheridan’s latest hit series, Landman, and he’s using his platform to advocate for a fresh approach to both politics and entertainment—one rooted in common sense and realism.

In a recent interview, Thornton offered rare public commentary on politics while discussing Landman, a Paramount Plus series created by Yellowstone mastermind Taylor Sheridan.

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Set in the high-stakes world of West Texas oil rigs, Landman explores the grit, power, and complexity of the energy industry.

The official IMDb synopsis calls it “a modern-day tale of fortune seeking in the world of West Texas oil rigs.”

But it was Thornton’s political reflections during the interview that really turned heads.

“I don’t talk politics publicly, but I think that we need a party called the common sense party,” he declared, earning a cheer from the audience.

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In an era where many celebrities tow partisan lines or lecture the public with ideological zeal, Thornton’s call for pragmatic leadership resonated with viewers who are tired of polarizing rhetoric.

@austinfoodmagazine Landman star Billy Bob Thornton Talks about the politics behind the Oil business as portrayed on the show. @ATX TV @Spill the ATX ♬ original sound – Hayden Walker

Thornton didn’t stop there. He also passionately defended Landman against ideological critiques from some corners of the media. Recalling a recent encounter at a press event, Thornton described how a woman approached him and asked, “How do you justify the morality of a show like this?”

His response was direct and unapologetic. “Well here’s the thing,” Thornton said. “First of all, Taylor’s written a show that doesn’t have an agenda. It shows you what happens.”

He elaborated further, making it clear that Landman isn’t trying to sway viewers politically. “So this is just a peek behind the curtain of an industry that a lot of people don’t know anything about. And he’s not saying ‘yay oil or boo oil.’ He’s saying ‘here’s how it works.’”

That level-headed realism is a hallmark of Sheridan’s work, and Thornton embraces it fully. Currently filming season two of Landman in Fort Worth, Texas, Thornton told Gold Derby last month that he’s all in on the show.

“It is a show I’d like to work on for a while,” he said.

Some home truths in the TV drama ‘Landman’ about wind turbines, solar panels, lithium in EV batteries and the massive consumer reliance on oil. More straight talking here than any politician is willing to admit themselves.

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— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) May 13, 2025

“I told Taylor, I said ‘as long as you want me around, I’m here for this.’ I really love the show. I love doing it, I love playing this character, and I love the people I work with. Not only the cast, but the crew also is just stellar.”

Thornton plays Tommy Norris, a no-nonsense petroleum landman who oversees the volatile oilfields of West Texas for the fictional company M-Tex. Norris is described as “an abrasive straight-shooter,” and it’s a role that fits Thornton like a glove.

The character’s authenticity and edge mirror Thornton’s own disdain for Hollywood fakery and pretense.

It’s no surprise, then, that Sheridan wrote the part specifically with Thornton in mind. According to Thornton, Sheridan pitched the concept to him in 2021 with a rare offer.

“You don’t get that handed to you very often,” Thornton admitted. “When somebody says, ‘I think I have your voice, I know how you talk, I know how you think and I’m gonna write this show specifically for you.’”

Thornton was honored by the opportunity and praised the writing.

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The trailer is out for Taylor Sheridan’s new series “Landman” with Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm.

It looks like it’s going to be brutal. pic.twitter.com/ygnehUao0Q

— OutKick (@Outkick) September 5, 2024

“To see scripts written that you look at them and you don’t just want to instantly start changing things or where I didn’t have a lot of questions. In other words, it wasn’t like I was going to sit there with them and pick things apart. It was really pretty flawless.”

Alongside Thornton, Landman boasts a high-profile cast that includes Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, Ali Larter, and Andy Garcia.

The show has already proven to be a major success, with its premiere in November 2024 becoming the most-watched debut on Paramount Plus in the past two years.

With season two set to premiere in November of this year, expectations are high—and Thornton is ready to keep the momentum going.

For fans of authentic storytelling and unfiltered perspectives, Landman offers more than just compelling drama.

It represents a rare moment when a Hollywood star like Billy Bob Thornton uses his influence to advocate not for partisanship, but for clarity, realism, and, above all, common sense.

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