[This story contains major spoilers from the penultimate episode of Landman season two, "Plans, Tears and Sirens."]

The episode ended on a violent cliffhanger when Cooper Norris, the aspiring oilman and son of Billy Bob Thornton's character, arrived at the back alley where his fiancée Ariana (Paulina Chávez) worked and found her being assaulted by a former bar patron. Cooper intervened, beating the man until Ariana's boss arrived, while security cameras captured the incident and police were called.

Actor Jacob Lofland, who plays Cooper, told The Hollywood Reporter that season two contained unexpected twists. "I tried to predict every bit of it before we read it, and some of it blew me off my feet. I was like, 'I did not see that coming,'" he said, reflecting on the show's surprises.

Lofland discussed how he approaches Cooper's character, his similarities to him, and how the series has changed his life. Signing onto the show alongside Billy Bob Thornton and co-creators Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, Lofland said he was overwhelmed by the audience response. "It’s completely changed my life," he said.

Recognition has been one of the biggest changes. Lofland noted that walking around Fort Worth, Texas, people often recognize him as Cooper, which he finds enjoyable. He now splits his time between Arkansas and Fort Worth, a move influenced by his work on the show.

Reflecting on filming season two, Lofland explained that after the success of season one, the challenge was maintaining that standard. He and co-star Paulina Chávez felt comfortable returning to their characters, describing the process as effortless once "action" was called. He also noted that while he is older than Cooper and has made similar mistakes in life, that relatability helps him connect to the character.

Shooting was done episode by episode and not in chronological order, but Lofland praised Taylor Sheridan’s writing, saying it made acting straightforward and emotionally authentic. The season spans roughly 10–15 days of story time, with gaps in between reflecting the characters’ experiences.

Lofland highlighted his on-screen father-son dynamic with Billy Bob Thornton, describing it as raw and real, built on mutual trust. The addition of Sam Elliott as Cooper's grandfather added depth to the family dynamic, helping him understand Cooper’s perspective. Lofland emphasized that the generational themes explore the way fathers influence sons and the cycles of family life.

The actor also spoke about the influence of professional co-stars. He explained that much of his learning comes from observing Thornton and Elliott's energy, professionalism, and dedication rather than from direct instruction.

Cooper and Ariana’s storyline represents a tonal shift, expanding the show’s focus beyond family and business to include romantic and personal stakes. Lofland described their arc as a journey of dreaming big while navigating unforeseen challenges, consistent with Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling style.

Looking toward season three, Lofland expressed excitement and anticipation, emphasizing that there’s still more to explore with Cooper’s character. He also noted the positive reception from people in the oil business, who appreciate the generational and realistic portrayal of the industry.

Landman season two is streaming nine episodes on Paramount+, with the finale set to release next weekend. Read THR’s full interview with Paulina Chávez for additional insights.