Strong Women and Roughnecks: Kayla Wallace and Paulina Chávez Shine in Landman – Interview

Taylor Sheridan explores the high-stakes world of Texas oil in Landman.

Taylor Sheridan’s new series, Landman, delivers a compelling drama that delves into the booming oil towns of West Texas. The show relies on the acclaimed 11-part podcast Boomtown. It explores the interplay of ambition, power, and resilience in a world dominated by oil rigs. The series highlights the personalities that fuel them. Blending the grit of roughneck laborers with the opulence of wildcat billionaires, Landman captures a landscape reshaping geopolitics, climate, and the economy.

Set against this backdrop, stars Kayla Wallace and Paulina Chávez bring depth and dimension to their roles. They portray women who navigate and thrive in a high-stakes, male-dominated environment. In an exclusive interview, Wallace and Chávez shared their experiences portraying strong, multifaceted characters and the inspiration they drew from their own lives.

“These roles are so well-rounded,” said Chávez, who plays Ariana. “I drew a lot from my family and the women in my life who made me who I am today. After many scenes, I’d feel like my mom and grandma were coming through in my performance. Ariana’s resilience and authenticity were exhilarating to bring to life.”

Wallace, who portrays Rebecca, a tough-as-nails attorney, echoed this sentiment.

“It’s a wild world where you need thick skin,” she said. “Rebecca is a woman who has to confidently hold her own as a lawyer in a male-dominated field. Episode 4 really showcases her strength and power, and I’m excited for people to see it.”

I asked the stars about their favorite moments from the series. Both episodes where their characters’ inner strength comes to the forefront. “Episode 5 is pivotal for Ariana,” Chávez said. “It’s when her resilience shines and she refuses to compromise who she is. Shooting those scenes was thrilling because I auditioned with much of that material.” Wallace added, “Episode 4 is where Rebecca really gets to show her power, and it was one of my favorite moments on set.”

The show’s connection to Texas culture was another highlight for the cast.

Chávez, a proud Texan, valued the opportunity to film in her home state. “I love telling Texas stories. Being able to shoot close to home, with my family nearby, was grounding and rewarding.” Wallace, originally from Canada, was struck by the warmth and hospitality of Texans. “Everyone was so welcoming. You’ll see that genuine friendliness reflected in Landman.”

With its addictive storytelling and authentic portrayal of Texas life, Landman is a captivating show. Wallace and Chávez’s performances add a powerful layer to the series. They showcase the resilience and strength of women in an unforgiving world.

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Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.

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