In an exclusive interview, actor James Jordan details his decade-long collaboration with Taylor Sheridan, explaining how the ‘Yellowstone’ creator’s masterful storytelling and distinct worlds have elevated his performances in ‘Landman’ and ‘Lioness’.
For fans of Taylor Sheridan’s sprawling television empire, certain faces become as familiar as the wide-open landscapes he loves to film. Actor James Jordan is one of those faces. From the dusty oil fields of Landman to the high-stakes CIA operations in Lioness, Jordan has become a trusted collaborator for the creator, appearing in more than half a dozen of Sheridan’s projects, from the 2017 film Wind River to the Yellowstone universe and its prequel series 1883. Following the conclusion of Landman season 2, we caught up with the actor to unpack what it’s truly like to be a recurring player in Sheridan’s world.
“When you get to work with a master storyteller like Taylor Sheridan it just doesn’t get any better,” Jordan says of the now-famous Yellowstone creator. “He really has the pulse of the culture right now.” He adds, “When he’s writing a story it usually just clicks into place for me. I love the worlds and frontiers that he likes to explore, and I fit into those worlds, for the most part.”
The duo’s fruitful partnership began when Jordan auditioned for Wind River, on the heels of Sheridan’s Oscar-nominated Hell or High Water in 2016. “He was making the transition from journeyman actor to a writer and director,” Jordan explains. “I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work for him.” This initial break launched a creative relationship that has defined a significant portion of Jordan’s recent career, allowing him to inhabit a diverse range of characters within a unified cinematic universe.
Jordan attributes much of his success in these roles to Sheridan’s exceptional writing. “I’ve learned over the last twenty or so years I’ve been acting that if you just get outta the way of good writing, the good work you’re able to do just kinda bubbles to the top,” he shares. “I mean, Taylor’s really done the heavy lifting for you, all you gotta do, really, is just show up and tell the truth, I think. That’s a blessing as an actor.” This philosophy allows him to fully embody his characters, from the gruff petroleum engineer Dale to the stoic CIA operative Two Cups. “I’ve learned that if I just get out of Dale’s or Two Cups’ way, the story just kinda unfolds right there for you.”
Currently, Jordan is navigating the unique challenge of portraying two distinct characters on two major series. Lioness began filming its third outing late last year, while Landman has already been picked up for a season 3. “I love going to work and telling both of these stories,” Jordan says. “Bringing to life Dale and Two Cups is a riot for me. No one can say I don’t have a blast doing it.” He notes that despite the different settings—one a gritty Texas oil drama, the other a sleek, modern espionage thriller—Sheridan’s directorial presence provides a unifying force on both sets.
“Both show’s voices are just so different,” Jordan admits, “but [Sheridan] has a ridiculously admirable work ethic, and definitely leads by example.” He adds, “I’ve just had the best time these last ten years doing my part in the worlds he creates.” This sentiment is shared by the casts, which include heavy hitters like Billy Bob Thornton, Sam Elliott, Demi Moore, and Zoe Saldaña. “I absolutely love going to work with each and everyone of those fine folks,” he says. “I’ve learned so much from my cast mates… I just love seeing these master actors at work across from me everyday. I’m smiling ear to ear when I see everyone at work. Pure joy.”
Among his favorite moments on Landman are the scenes that bring the M-Tex Oil crew together. “Anytime we have those family dinners I just crack up,” Jordan reveals. “Those scenes are just loaded with amazing moments from everyone every time. When I see on the schedule we’ve got a dinner scene coming up that week, I just can’t wait to get after it.” These moments of camaraderie are a hallmark of Sheridan’s character-driven storytelling, grounding the high-stakes drama in relatable human connections.
As for the future, Jordan is eager to see what shenanigans Dale will get into in Landman season 3. While a return date for the cast isn’t yet set, Jordan reassures fans that the wait will be worth it. “Taylor has to write them, and you don’t want to add any unwanted pressure to rush it or get it out,” he says. “But don’t worry! We will be getting to work soon, and I’m sure Taylor’s got an amazing season in store for all our amazing Landman fans.”
For James Jordan, the journey through Taylor Sheridan’s universe is far from over. With new seasons of both Lioness and Landman on the horizon, audiences can expect more of the authentic, character-driven performances that have made him a fan favorite and a key piece of Sheridan’s ever-expanding storytelling puzzle.
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