Ali Larter Defends Sexualized Role in Paramount+ Series Landman

Ali Larter embraces her character Angela Norris on Taylor Sheridan's Paramount+ drama Landman, despite criticism that the portrayal is overly sexualized and objectifying. Larter emphasizes that the character's loud, emotional, and multi-dimensional nature was deliberately crafted by Sheridan, who intended Angela to be a complex woman balancing ambition, vulnerability, and sexuality. Both Larter and Sheridan anticipated the early backlash and designed the show to explore empowerment through contradictions rather than simplistic portrayals, with Angela evolving into the emotional core of her family. Larter welcomes the sexualization as an authentic expression of the character, rejecting discomfort around female sexuality and asserting her own boundaries as an experienced actress. The show’s storylines, such as a retirement home episode inspired by Sheridan’s wife Nicole Muirbrook, add layers of humor and humanity to the narrative. Looking ahead to Landman Season 2, Larter indicates that Angela’s complexities will deepen, continuing to challenge critics and celebrate empowered, nuanced female characters.