“Landman” Star Paulina Chávez Reveals the ‘Key to Longevity’ She Learned from Billy Bob Thornton (Exclusive)

**Paulina Chávez Reflects on the Family Atmosphere of ‘Landman’ and Anticipates Coming Seasons**

As ‘Landman’ continues to flourish on Paramount+, actress Paulina Chávez has shared her enriching experiences working on the series, particularly under the mentorship of co-star Billy Bob Thornton. At the recent 51st annual Gracie Awards held at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the 24-year-old star revealed that Thornton’s authenticity and grounded manner have profoundly influenced the working environment on set.

Chávez expressed her appreciation for Thornton, stating, “One thing that I’ve learned from Billy Bob is how authentic he is and how down to earth he is.” She went on to emphasise how his presence has cultivated a welcoming and familial atmosphere among the cast and crew, making the filming process enjoyable. She believes that such an approach is vital for a sustainable career in acting, reminding herself always to “remember where you come from” and to avoid becoming a “gatekeeper” in the industry.

The actress, who plays the character Ariana Medina in ‘Landman’, highlighted that the chemistry viewers perceive on screen mirrors the genuine friendships forged behind the scenes. “It’s a real family; we’ve become our own family,” she remarked, speaking on the close bond shared among the cast. This camaraderie is not only instrumental in creating compelling narratives but also contributes to a supportive work environment.

Chávez has garnered attention as one of the standout stars of ‘Landman’, which explores the complex dynamics of the West Texas oil industry. In a particularly harrowing moment from Season 2, her character Ariana endures a traumatic assault, bringing to light significant themes of strength and resilience. Reflecting on the impact of filming such intense scenes, Chávez admitted, “I bawled my eyes out. It was just a woman’s worst nightmare.” She described how the scene’s emotional weight felt very real, stating, “Even though it’s fake, your body doesn’t know the difference between reality and fantasy.”

To ensure a safe atmosphere during the portrayal of the assault, Chávez praised the efforts of the production team and the intimacy coordinator, Mam Smith, stating their contributions were crucial. Series creator Taylor Sheridan has noted that the heart of Ariana’s storyline lies in her resilience, with Chávez affirming, “The whole purpose of [the scene] is to show that Ariana is strong and she is a fighter.”

As anticipation builds for the next season, Chávez revealed she remains largely ignorant about future plot developments. With a touch of humour, she acknowledged her curiosity, saying, “I am just in the dark, as everybody else.” She referenced a comment Thornton made during a group interview, hinting that the upcoming season would incorporate elements from both prior seasons.

Chávez’s achievements at the Gracie Awards were underscored by her recognition as Actress in a Breakthrough Role, an honour she received among numerous inspiring women. Conveying her amazement at being celebrated in such company, she remarked, “I love women, and to be among so many women that I look up to and admire, I don’t believe it.”

Prior to her breakout role in ‘Landman’, Chávez’s acting journey began in community theatre at the tender age of seven. She made history as the first Latina lead in a multi-camera Netflix comedy with ‘The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia’ and has also appeared in other notable productions such as ‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ and ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip’, performed alongside Eva Longoria and Cheech Marin.

As the journey of ‘Landman’ unfolds, it continues to resonate with viewers, showcasing the intricate lives of its characters amid the backdrop of the oil industry. The camaraderie felt by the cast, led by Thornton’s example, is a testament to the authenticity and heart that fuels the series, albeit leaving fans eagerly awaiting what the future holds for Ariana and her fellow characters.

Meanwhile, ‘Landman’ is currently streaming on Paramount+, continuing to engage and captivate audiences as it moves forward with its compelling storytelling.