Jon Hamm on His ‘Landman’ Finale Fate, What it Means for Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore in Likely Season 2

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[This story contains major spoilers from the season finale of Landman.]

After watching the season finale of Landman, Jon Hamm‘s fate wasn’t certain.

It wasn’t until Christian Wallace, one of the creators of the successful Paramount+ series Yellowstone alongside Taylor Sheridan, started giving interviews after the finale, that it was officially confirmed that Hamm’s character, Monty Miller, the oil tycoon, had passed away. His heart, already weak, could not endure another heart attack or a third bypass surgery.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about his character’s fate, announced on Tuesday, Hamm expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the oil industry drama, ‘Boomtown’, which features Billy Bob Thornton and was inspired by the Texas Monthly podcast that Wallace hosted.

Or, more concisely:

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hamm thanked the creators for his role in the one-season oil industry drama, Boomtown, based on Wallace’s Texas Monthly podcast, ‘Boomtown’.

The show is absolutely amazing, and I’m in awe of its greatness. It’s truly an honor to be involved,” said the actor from Fargo and The Morning Show, who, together with Landman, has now created another unforgettable character. “I’m thrilled that you all are enjoying it. I’m happy that everyone is on the same page.

Upon Monty’s passing, the responsibility of managing M-Tex Oil Company falls onto Tommy Norris, his longtime friend and confidant, who after enduring a vicious assault by the cartel, struck a dangerous pact with the devil, portrayed by Andy Garcia, to maintain operations in the oil field alongside them. The series concludes with Tommy assessing a baby coyote that has appeared in his front yard at its close.

Speaking with THR following the finale, Thornton elaborated on the symbolism within that scene and its implications for a possible second season. Given the show’s impressive ratings performance, plans from the co-creators, and Thornton’s enthusiasm for the series’ future, a second season appears likely.

Hamm offers his perspective on the “charming vagueness” and “symbolic depth” of that conclusion, while simultaneously expressing his ideas about how Monty’s absence will enhance both Tommy and Cami (portrayed by Demi Moore), likely as characters in the upcoming season of the series.

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First, are you doing OK amid the wildfires? [Note: Hamm resides in Los Angeles.]

Thankfully, we’re all safe. Fortunately, the fires that broke out to our east didn’t advance as far west as us, and similarly, those to our west didn’t reach us here in the east. Our location seems to be a happy coincidence, placing us right in between the fire zones.

Has portraying the character Monty in the series Landman, that showcases natural disasters like wildfires, given you a fresh insight into the current situation regarding fires in Los Angeles?

Indeed, the wildfires we’re experiencing currently are unlike anything I’ve seen before in Los Angeles, they’re incredibly devastating. The fires depicted on TV shows may share similarities, but this is a completely different scenario. This catastrophe is something no one would wish upon their worst enemy. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people lose their homes, and while lives have been spared, it’s unfortunate that we find ourselves in such a situation. I hope everyone stays healthy during these tough times. We personally know some people who have lost their homes, thankfully they are safe, but recovering will be a long, challenging process. This experience really puts things into perspective for us all.

What led you to decide to play the role of Monty, and did the one-season contract appeal to you once we learned about it?

Indeed, there are aspects where I can and cannot participate in another series regularly due to my other obligations. However, I must confess that the main reason for my involvement in this project is the opportunity to collaborate with Taylor [Sheridan] and Billy Bob [Thornton]. Their careers have always intrigued me, and I’ve been keenly following their work. They are currently at the pinnacle of their craft, and I knew that this show would be exceptional. What I didn’t anticipate was the massive cultural impact it would create, which makes my involvement even more rewarding. It’s always exciting to be a part of a production that resonates deeply with audiences. I’ve experienced this feeling on a few occasions before.

In the series finale, there was some uncertainty about what happened to your character, but later on, Christian Wallace, one of the creators, clarified that Monty did indeed die. Can you share your experience while shooting those emotional hospital scenes for the last time?

As a gamer, let me tell you, those types of scenes are quite challenging since they’re essentially your character’s final moments, and that’s not exactly what I’d call enjoyable gameplay. However, working alongside the incredible talents like Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton, and the rest of the team was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a privilege to be part of such an exceptional group, and I can’t help but feel that it couldn’t have been any more thrilling or enjoyable. Granted, the specifics of the role in this case were a bit tough given the tubes and all the gunk involved, but the rest of the experience was a blast. After all, how many get to witness their own character’s demise? (Laughs)

I’m now trying to think if you’ve died in any previous roles.

It seems we’re both having a hard time recalling the same thing. My sister messaged me saying, “I can’t fathom that I had to witness your on-screen demise.” To which I replied, “Haven’t you seen this scene before?” But she astonished me by responding, “Never!

With Monty’s demise, Billy Bob Thornton’s character Tommy stands poised for significant developments in a potential second season. In an interview with THR, Thornton explained the symbolism of Tommy examining the coyote at the end of the finale: Tommy is contemplating whether he himself is the coyote or if the coyote represents a threat to him now. He might even be confronting his own mortality. So, what path do you imagine Tommy will choose as he assumes Monty’s role and manages M-Tex Oil?

One aspect I find particularly captivating about the show is its unique charm, which stems from its intriguing ambiguity and symbolic depth. The narrative holds multiple layers of meaning. What resonates with me deeply in the portrayal of Billy Bob’s character and mine is that we both began on a similar path, but our journeys subsequently took starkly different directions. Such occurrences are not uncommon, and they present a significant challenge to handle. It’s painful to witness a friend choose a different course. Navigating through such situations can be challenging indeed.

Billy Bob’s role seems set in stone – the weight of responsibility is akin to wearing a crown. To put it simply, be careful what you ask for. I believe he’s already learned this lesson through his experiences on the show and beyond. His reconciliation with Angela and his relationships with Cooper and Aynsley will undoubtedly be heavy burdens for him to carry.

In an unexpected turn of events, instead of Monty passing on his wisdom to Tommy on his deathbed, we heard it from Jerry Jones in a scene that has since gone viral. This impromptu moment, as I understand it, was made possible due to Taylor Sheridan’s connection with the Dallas Cowboys owner. Can you share what it was like filming that particular scene?

It took numerous attempts. It required a great deal of effort, but it was enjoyable. Jerry is an individual who has experienced much in life, as he shared in his narrative. I believe the instruction for him was simply: Share your journey and we’ll amplify its impact, and that’s exactly what transpired. It was an innovative method to broadcast his tale.

It’s unfortunate that, while lying in his hospital bed, Monty follows Jones’ advice about putting family first, yet he doesn’t get an opportunity to alter the course of his life before passing away.

Absolutely. Isn’t it often the case that we find ourselves wishing for more time when it’s already passed? Indeed, the most regrettable phrases are those about opportunities missed: “What if…?

What would Monty’s advice have been to Tommy?

As a gamer, I find this question intriguing. Monty’s life seems to revolve around earning money, and Jerry’s story strikes a chord with him. I believe if given the chance, he would have shared similar insights with Tommy. However, it’s likely that they had this discussion multiple times. The reason Tommy works for Monty might be because he didn’t take those words to heart. For some reason, he was unable to comprehend that advice, which is unfortunate and tragic in its own way. It’s heartbreaking to witness someone being their own destroyer, unable to break free from their self-imposed path.

Was that the final scene you filmed with Billy Bob Thornton?

The final scene I filmed is hard for me to recall as it was shot in February of the previous year. However, that scene offered an engaging opportunity since my work on the project was compressed due to scheduling issues, leading to many of my scenes being phone conversations. It’s also worth noting that I didn’t get a chance to meet Billy Bob until three or four weeks into filming. Despite our short interaction, working with him was enjoyable.

Were there any exchanges between you, Billy Bob Thornton and Jerry Jones after that scene?

Afterward, we engaged in a pleasant chat. The day was quite lengthy, and it’s likely that Jerry Jones isn’t accustomed to the routine of a TV production, so he might have been quite antsy with our speed. However, we managed to get him taken care of as swiftly as possible.

Some spectators have asked about Demi Moore’s limited screen time in season one; however, Monty’s death could lead to a more significant role for her moving forward. Creator Wallace has hinted at big plans for her character, Cami, in the future. Can you imagine how Cami might take on a larger presence following Monty’s demise?

It seems like she’s dealing with a multitude of heavy thoughts, largely centered around the pain this life has caused her family. Undoubtedly, such experiences breed anger and resentment; I can assure you, she’ll harbor a deep-seated grudge. My prediction is that this will be her trajectory, but remember, I’m just an observer in this narrative. It’s clear that she’s extremely upset about her husband’s absence and the heartache her family is experiencing. From personal experience, such losses are tough to overcome. It’s no pleasure to say, but losing a loved one, whether it’s a parent or someone close, leaves a trail of destruction. As we move forward into season two, I imagine there will be much emotional debris to clear away.

Fans may be disappointed if you don’t return for a potential second season, but Sheridan is known for keeping his actors involved. Are there any other universes within the Sheridan universe that you would enjoy exploring instead?

I must admit, I was at a loss for an immediate response regarding that question, yet I hold Taylor in high regard and cherish working with him. It was an exceptional experience. The team we had on set, including crew members, was simply outstanding. A remarkable group of individuals, and together we produced a fantastic show. It’s well-received, which is all one can ask for in this line of work. You might say it’s a rare opportunity, but even so, it feels surreal when you get the chance to be part of something like that.

Apart from one of your cherished characters, a role that’s quite trendy at the moment, is your portrayal in Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show.” The finale left many questions unanswered, hinting at more storylines for the next season. Could you share any insights about your participation in season four?

(Laughs heartily) Frankly, it’s uncertain. To be honest, I’m not fully aware of the plans regarding that project. All I can say is that I had an incredible time working on it, and it was genuinely enjoyable, thrilling, and a memorable experience. Collaborating with such talented individuals, a cast filled with homerun players, was simply extraordinary. Here’s hoping for more opportunities to be part of something equally special!

What are you working on next that you can talk about?

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! This April, you’ll find me starring in a series called “Your Friends and Neighbors” on Apple TV+. And So, stay tuned as we gear up for more episodes in the future. You can expect to see plenty of me gracing your screens!

Have you noticed that recently you’ve been portraying some intense, time-sensitive, and impactful characters? What draws you to these roles you’ve been choosing?

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being in this profession for a significant amount of time, during which people have come to know and rely on me when it comes to their writing projects. My acting versatility has allowed me to take on a wide variety of roles, which I find quite rewarding. It’s not just about emulating characters like Don Draper from Mad Men, but rather embracing the diversity that my roles offer. This is what makes my work exciting and fulfilling.

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Landman season one is now streaming on Paramount+.

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2025-01-15 01:25