Billy Bob Thornton Injured by Flying Plates in 'Landman' Scene
Billy Bob Thornton at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, Marlyand, August 22, 2008. Photo courtesy of kubacheck under CC BY 2.0.
Billy Bob Thornton's fiery dinner scene on the set of the Paramount+ series "Landman" turned out to be more than just dramatic acting. During the chaotic family dinner sequence in the season 2 premiere, Thornton, who plays Tommy Norris, was actually injured by flying plates hurled by his on-screen ex-wife, Angela Norris, portrayed by Ali Larter. The intensity of the scene spilled over into real life, leaving the veteran actor with minor cuts and scrapes, adding an unexpected layer of authenticity to the drama.
A Dinner Scene Gone Wild
The scene is a masterclass in escalating family tension. Tommy Norris, played by Thornton, repeatedly provokes Angela by making insensitive remarks about her menstrual cycle in front of their children and friends. The tension reportedly reaches a boiling point when Tommy questions Angela's ability to make rational decisions during her cycle. This prompts Angela to grab the tablecloth and yank Tommy's plate of truffle-dusted cacio e pepe toward her, unleashing a furious rampage of pasta-filled plates flying across the room. The other guests quickly flee as Angela screams at her ex-husband, smashing plates against the wall in a spectacular display of rage.
What made this scene especially memorable was the realism of the props. Thornton revealed that the plates thrown at him were either real or nearly so, heavy enough to cause actual injury. He was hit by shards of shrapnel from the broken plates, resulting in minor wounds. Despite the chaos, Thornton's injuries were not serious, described as "little nicks here and there," but the incident added a raw edge to the scene's intensity, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
Behind the Scenes: The Cast's Take
Ali Larter, who plays Angela, explained that these explosive dinners are her character's way of proving her worth to the family and provoking Tommy, who is known for poking and prodding her. The scene's emotional complexity is heightened by the actors' ability to channel genuine rage and humor simultaneously. Larter described the experience as a "gift," relishing the chance to combine comedy, violence, action, and drama all in one moment. She also noted the cathartic release of letting Angela roar saying, "You kind of let it out. You got to let Angela roar," as reported by Entertainment Weekly. She added, "And then you go and you question it all night long when you come home after set."
Jacob Lofland and Michelle Randolph, who play the Norris children Cooper and Ainsley, shared their own perspectives on filming the scene. Lofland admitted it was hard to keep a straight face when the whole family was on set together, with many outtakes capturing their laughter and looseness. "It was such a great scene to watch in person," Randolph said, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. "[Larter] just went right for it. She's so bold in that scene. And our props department is incredible, because we had to reset a lot for that." Despite the destruction, the food used in the scene was reportedly delicious, with Randolph and Lofland even getting to take home some of the surviving truffle pasta.
The Texas Set and Paramount+ Premiere
The "Landman" season 2 premiere, titled "Death and a Sunset," was filmed in Texas, where the cast brought this explosive family drama to life. The show's blend of dark humor, family conflict, and high-stakes tension has captivated audiences, and this particular dinner scene stands out as a highlight for its raw energy and unexpected real-world impact. The premiere is now streaming on Paramount+, inviting viewers to witness the Norris family's volatile dynamics firsthand.
When Props Fight Back
The absurdity of the situation cannot be overstated. What was scripted as a fiery, tension-filled dinner turned into a literal barrage of flying plates, with Thornton caught in the crossfire. The props, designed to enhance the scene's authenticity, nearly caused serious harm. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of filming intense scenes where physical action and emotional drama collide. It's a reminder that even in the controlled environment of a set, the line between fiction and reality can blur in the most unexpected ways.
A Scene to Remember
This chaotic dinner scene is more than just a moment of family drama on screen. It's a story of actors pushing their craft to the edge, of props that almost became weapons, and of a veteran star who walked away with real scars from a fictional fight. For fans of "Landman" and followers of Billy Bob Thornton's career, it's a juicy behind-the-scenes tale that adds a new layer of intrigue and delight to the show's already gripping narrative.
As you watch the season 2 premiere, remember that the tension you see is not just acting. It's a little bit of real-life chaos, a sprinkle of danger, and a whole lot of passion brought to the screen by a cast willing to go all in, even if it means getting a few cuts along the way.
References: Billy Bob Thornton hurt filming fiery 'Landman' season 2 premiere dinner scene | Billy Bob Thornton injured whilst filming plate-smashing scene in Landman season two
