Billy Bob Thornton ‘Knows He’s the Key’ to Success of ‘Landman,’ Actor ‘Being Treated Like a King’ On-Set

Billy Bob Thorton‘s role as a Texas oilman in the megahit series Landman is giving him a swelled head, sources tell Globe.

Season 2 of the Taylor Sheridan drama premiered in November, and insiders say its record-breaking ratings have Paramount+ bending over backward to keep the 70-year-old happy. And the star, who hasn’t had a big hit in years, loves getting the royal treatment.

“Billy knows he’s the key to the popularity of the show and he’s got these boys over a barrel,” a source says of the former Mr. Angelina Jolie. “So he’s taking the opportunity to make the most of this opportunity.”

And while Thornton has had more than his share of success in the past — especially with his Oscar-winning film Sling Blade way back in 1996 — he’s never enjoyed the kind of leading-man accolades he’s getting playing Tommy Norris on Landman.

“He’s got his swagger on and is really loving playing the role of the big boss — on screen and off!” an insider says.

Now his diva demands escalate every time he gets another rave review, and he’s demanding the kind of special meals, on-set accommodations and treatment the former Arkansas good ol’ boy would never have dreamed of in the past, a source says.

“He’s being treated like a king because everybody knows if they lose him there will be no show at all,” a source says. “Execs don’t want another Kevin Costner/Yellowstone situation where they piss off the star and lose the show in the process.”

“That’s why they’re rolling out the red carpet and Billy Bob’s happy to dance on it!”

According to our insider, having his name at the top of credits has also allowed producers to lure other A-list stars, including Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia and Sam Elliott, to join the show’s cast.

“Paramount and the producers know that if Billy goes, so do the viewers — and so do his costars,” the insider says. “So they’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep him happy.”