Andy Garcia discusses his role in 'Landman' and why Taylor Sheridan chose him to play the cartel boss opposite Billy Bob Thornton

Spoiler warning: This article contains minor spoilers for Season 2, Episode 3 of Landman, titled Almost a Home, which aired on Sunday, November 30, on Paramount+.

Andy Garcia originally appeared in Landman as Gallino during the Season 1 finale, playing a cartel leader who spared Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) and ominously hinted at a future partnershipand perhaps even friendship. Their paths crossed again this season after Tommy discovered that Cooper (Jacob Lofland) had formed a major oil partnership with Gallinos firm, leading to a tense confrontation and later drinks at the Cattlemens Club.

Despite the intense onscreen dynamic, Garcia describes working with Thornton as feeling like a homecoming. Billy welcomed me with open arms. Theres a deep mutual respect, Garcia shared. We had a prior friendship, so stepping on set felt natural. Acting relies on trust with your co-stars, and thats where your best performance comes from.

Garcia explains that the role was tailor-made for him by show co-creator Taylor Sheridan. He hadnt even written the part when he approached me, Garcia said. He wanted to create this character specifically for me. He referenced a film I did years ago, Eight Million Ways to Die, and imagined Gallino as that energy in his younger days. Taylor has a talent for writing characters in the voices of the actors he admires.

Additionally, Garcia helped shape Gallinos backstory. I asked, Who is this guy? and he told me, Hes a cartel leader in the Permian Basin. I wanted to connect it to my own roots, so I envisioned him as Caribbean-born, with access to the Caribbean and South America, eventually moving to Fort Worth for opportunities. Hes integrated into society but still operates under the radar, Garcia explained.

This insight into Garcias process reveals how much the actors personal history and relationship with Sheridan influenced Gallinos development, making his return both authentic and compelling for viewers.

Author: Sophia Brooks