Jacob Lofland couldn’t be more excited about returning to Landman for season three.
The actor, who plays Cooper Norris in Paramount+’s breakout oil drama, is already counting down until production begins this spring.
Season two wrapped with emotional highs and dangerous lows—and Lofland is eager to see what creator Taylor Sheridan has planned next.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lofland opened up about filming one of season two’s most harrowing scenes, Cooper’s unexpected rise within his family’s new oil company, and what weight his character might carry into season three.
Cooper’s Brutal Episode Nine Scene
Episode nine delivered one of Landman’s darkest moments: Ariana’s violent attack and Cooper’s desperate intervention.
When co-star Paulina Chávez first read that script, she immediately called Lofland. Both actors knew they were stepping into uncharted emotional territory.
We both read it, sat down and went, ‘OK, this is happening. How are we going to approach this?’ I had never been in that situation, and she hadn’t either.
Rather than overthinking, they chose trust—trust in each other, their director, and stunt coordinators.
Rehearsals focused purely on physical choreography. Emotional preparation? That happened organically on set.
It was a dark day in a heavy way. We still made it through. That’s something you never want to have to see or deal with and shouldn’t happen, but it does.
Lofland threw countless punches that day—so many he lost count. His shoulder ached afterward, but adrenaline and emotion carried him through.
Shaking Off Cooper’s Pain
Scenes like that don’t just end when cameras stop rolling.
Lofland admitted it took several days to mentally recover. He and Chávez leaned on each other, processing what they’d just enacted.
That one took a couple days. Me and her had conversations coming off of it. And we’re going to see that probably in season three.
Trauma doesn’t disappear overnight. Lofland expects Cooper and Ariana will both carry significant emotional baggage into season three, navigating healing alongside their roles in CTT Oil.
Right before season two’s finale celebration, Ariana told Tommy that Cooper “is not going to be OK.” That quiet truth hangs heavy over everything to come.
Cooper’s Shocking Promotion
Season two’s finale delivered surprises Lofland genuinely didn’t see coming.
First shock: Cooper killed Ariana’s attacker. Second shock: Tommy named Cooper president of their newly formed independent company, CTT Oil Exploration & Cattle.
Cooper being president of the oil company now, that’s the second thing I absolutely didn’t see coming. It’s a leap of faith that really shows the trust and faith Tommy has in Cooper.
Tommy serves as senior president, with their loyal crew—Dale, Nate, Rebecca—all following him to this risky new venture.
It’s family, plain and simple. But family built on dangerous foundations.
Gallino’s Terrifying Threat
Tommy launched CTT Oil with help from cartel boss Gallino, played by Andy Garcia.
Deals with devils come with consequences. Gallino made crystal clear: if Tommy fails, he’ll destroy what Tommy loves most—his family.
The calmness behind that threat is what makes me scared — how little emotion he shows to let you know that he’s truthful and means what he says.
Lofland describes Cooper’s situation perfectly: he “failed upwards.” Everything worked out, somehow. But now Cooper shoulders enormous responsibility—and enormous risk.
It could be Cooper’s making or his breaking.
Preparing for Season Three
Production begins this spring, giving Lofland time to dive deeper into what being a real landman actually means.
I’m going to have to do a lot more research. I’m really going to have to figure out the terminology and inner workings.
He’s excited about potentially more family scenes—working with Ali Larter (Angela) and Michelle Randolph (Ainsley) brings completely different energy than oil rig drama.
Their truck scene together, where Cooper gets Ariana’s engagement ring, showcased hilarious sibling dynamics Lofland hopes to explore further.
And Sam Elliott? Lofland is praying the legendary actor returns, though he’s trying not to get hopes too high before scripts arrive.
Landman’s Compressed Timeline
Casual viewers might not realize just how rapidly events unfold in Landman.
According to Lofland, season two covered approximately 10 days—even shorter than season one’s timeline. Between seasons, only four to eight weeks passed, just enough time for Cooper to get rigs operational.
This breakneck pacing creates relentless tension. Expect season three to maintain that intensity, cramming life-altering drama into compressed timeframes.
What Lies Ahead
Lofland hasn’t seen season three scripts yet, but his enthusiasm is infectious.
I’m ready to get back with everybody on set. I do know that whatever he writes is going to be absolutely amazing and 1,000 times better than anything I can come up with.
Cooper faces balancing trauma recovery, new professional responsibilities, supporting Ariana, and navigating Gallino’s shadow over CTT Oil.
Key questions heading into season three:
- How will Cooper and Ariana heal from episode nine’s violence?
- Can Cooper handle presidential responsibilities at CTT Oil?
- What happens when Gallino comes collecting on Tommy’s debt?
- Will Sam Elliott’s character work directly with Cooper on rigs?
- Does Demi Moore’s character return?
Lofland remains philosophical about viewer reactions—mostly positive, with criticism reflecting personal opinions rather than fundamental flaws.
His character evolved from feeling like he was in his own show during season one to becoming integral to the Norris family operation. Season three promises Cooper front and center in high-stakes oil drama.
And with Taylor Sheridan writing, anything is possible.