Andy Garcia recalls Billy Bob Thornton’s first words on ‘Landman’ set

Andy Garcia still remembers exactly what Billy Bob Thornton said to him after filming his first scene on Landman.

The actor, 69, made a striking entrance in the season 1 finale as Danny Morrell, a mysterious cartel hauncho who saved Tommy’s (Thornton) life. 

Danny returns as a regular in season 2, now fully introduced as a well-connected Fort Worth businessman.

For Garcia, the role, written by Taylor Sheridan specifically for him, was an “easy yes.” 

He told PEOPLE, “He said that he was a fan,” recalling his first meeting with Sheridan, 55. Their conversation even touched on 1986’s 8 Million Ways to Die, in which Garcia played a young drug lord, inspiring Sheridan to cast him in Landman.

Talking about Thornton, Garcia calls him a “sublime actor who I respect so deeply.” 

He adds, “We get on really well,” noting that they were somewhat acquainted before the show. 

After filming the finale, Garcia remembers Thornton saying, “It's great. Two old vets getting together. You want to go play some cards? Have some tea?”

Garcia also teases the dynamic between their characters this season: “Billy Bob says, ‘We're never going to be friends.’ And I go, ‘No, we're going to be really good friends.’” 

He hints at how Danny’s involvement in the business will unfold, keeping viewers on edge.

Getting to know the rest of the cast on season 2 was a highlight, Garcia says, calling them “great actors, great, generous people.” 

He singled out Demi Moore, whose role expanded this season, saying she was “so present… easy-going and so warm-hearted.”

New episodes of Landman premiere Sundays on Paramount+.

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