Full Breakdown
Ali Larter Discusses Challenges of Bikini Scenes in "Landman"
1/26/2026, 8:01:53 PM
Insights from Ali Larter on Bikini Scenes
Ali Larter, known for her role as Angela Norris in the Paramount+ series "Landman," has openly shared her discomfort with filming bikini scenes. In a recent interview with People, Larter stated, “I don’t think there’s an actress alive that’s like, ‘Woo! Got a bikini scene!’ Nobody wants to do it.” She described these scenes as “the hardest” for her to film, emphasizing that they are not enjoyable and require her to confront personal insecurities and anxiety. Larter explained, “I’ve got to spend all this time fighting off my own insecurities... to be able to put on that bikini and walk into these scenes.”
The Role of Angela Norris
Larter's character, Angela, is portrayed as confident and physically expressive, often seen in bikini scenes throughout the series. Despite her discomfort, Larter recognizes the importance of these scenes for character development. She stated, “In the end, anytime you have to put on a bathing suit and walk in front of anybody, it’s really difficult.” To prepare for her role, Larter maintains a rigorous fitness regimen, waking up at 4:30 a.m. for runs and adhering to a high-protein diet. She noted, “I’m one of those protein mommies. I eat so much protein all day long. It works for me.”
Favorite Scenes and Character Dynamics
While Larter finds bikini scenes challenging, she expressed a preference for more dialogue-driven moments, particularly those shared with her co-star Billy Bob Thornton, who plays her ex-husband, Tommy. “My favorite is when I get to have a real, honest quiet exchange between Tommy and Angela,” she remarked. This highlights her appreciation for the depth of character interaction over physical portrayals.
Official Statements & Responses
Larter has defended the creative direction of "Landman," acknowledging the provocative nature of the writing by Taylor Sheridan. She described him as a “provocateur” who aims to create characters that elicit strong reactions. Larter stated, “He loves to write characters that make people respond, that initiate a reaction, a feeling.” This perspective underscores her commitment to portraying Angela authentically, despite the challenges involved.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Larter's defense of her character, "Landman" has faced criticism for its portrayal of women, particularly regarding the sexualization of characters. Larter has addressed this criticism by emphasizing the originality and authenticity of Sheridan's work, suggesting that the provocative elements serve a narrative purpose.
What's Next for "Landman"
As of January 18, 2026, Season 2 of "Landman" has concluded, and the series has been renewed for a third season. The show continues to explore the complexities of the oil industry in Texas, with Larter's character remaining central to the unfolding narrative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t think there’s an actress alive that’s like, ‘Woo! Got a bikini scene!’ Nobody wants to do it. Those are the hardest for me. I don’t enjoy them. It’s just part of the story that I’m telling, and I’m an actress, so I get on board. But those are definitely my least favorite.” — Ali Larter, Actress
- “In the end, anytime you have to put on a bathing suit and walk in front of anybody, it’s really difficult,” — Ali Larter, Actress
- “He loves to write characters that make people respond, that initiate a reaction, a feeling,” — Ali Larter, Actress
Larter's candid reflections on her experiences in "Landman" reveal the complexities faced by actors in balancing personal comfort with professional obligations, particularly in roles that challenge societal norms around body image and femininity.
