Ali Larter Reflects on Her Magical ’90s Teen Drama Era

Ali Larter has become a recognizable talent, known for her memorable performances in iconic films from the late ’90s and early 2000s, such as Varsity Blues, Final Destination, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, and Legally Blonde. Her career has since evolved to include significant roles in hit television series like Heroes and The Rookie. Now, alongside the remarkable Billy Bob Thornton, Larter dives deep into her character and delivers an unforgettable performance as Angela in Landman, a new epic drama created by Taylor Sheridan.

From the creative mind of television Western expert Taylor Sheridan, Landman is inspired by Christian Wallace’s firsthand experiences in the oil industry of West Texas, originally expressed in the acclaimed podcast Boomtown. The series unfolds in a setting where roughnecks and ambitious billionaires ignite a massive economic boom, significantly impacting our climate, economy, and global politics. In this gripping narrative, Larter portrays Angela Norris, the ex-wife of Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris. The show also features star-studded performances from Jon Hamm and Demi Moore.

Collider’s Steve Weintraub had the privilege of interviewing Ali Larter to delve into her experiences while working on Landman. During their engaging discussion, Larter reveals the immense effort she invested in auditioning for the role of Angela, a vibrant and complex character. She shares the transformative journey she undertook to embody this character, alongside the profound trust she has in the creative vision of series creators Sheridan and Wallace, which further fueled her passion for the role.

Ali Larter’s Early Career: Breaking Through on ‘Dawson’s Creek’

Reflecting on a ‘Special, Magical Time’ in Her Career

COLLIDER: A fun fact is that early in your career, you appeared in two episodes of the iconic show Dawson’s Creek.

ALI LARTER: Yes, that’s correct!

Can you share your memories of being on the set of the show, especially during that time when you were striving to make a name for yourself in the industry?

ALI LARTER: Absolutely! I played a character named Kristy, who was a high school student alongside Pacey, played by [Joshua Jackson]. At that time, David Semel was both the executive producer and the director. I had the pleasure of working with him multiple times throughout my career. We all gathered in Wilmington for filming. Interestingly, my husband is currently filming The Runarounds in Wilmington as well. That era was truly special. It was a time filled with impactful projects like Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, and there was a surge of teen-focused content during that late ’90s to early 2000s period.

Reflecting on it, I believe it was a unique, magical moment that presented countless opportunities for me to hone my craft and discover my identity as an actress. It felt like I was a curious puppy, eager to learn and explore. While I had attended acting classes, the real education came from on-the-job experiences. I had the privilege of working with outstanding acting coaches and learning from each project. My inquisitive nature led me to cherish my time on Dawson’s Creek, especially with Josh, with whom I shared a close bond over the years. I genuinely wish him all the best in his endeavors.

Unleashing Angela: Ali Larter’s Dynamic Performance in ‘Landman’

As you reflect on your extensive career, which scene or moment do you feel was the most challenging to execute due to factors like camera movement, dialogue intricacies, or other elements?

ALI LARTER: The episode titled “Bolognese” stands out for me. It features an extraordinary eight-minute scene, which is quite rare in television. During this sequence, I’m in my character’s home, greeting my son at the door while preparing an elaborate dinner for family and friends. The scene encompasses awkward and humorous moments, showcasing my character’s heartfelt attempts to reunite her family through the warmth of Italian cuisine. She dresses in an Italian style, and as we transition from the dining table to the kitchen, we witness her emotional breakdown.

The emotional intensity of this role presented challenges unlike anything I had encountered before. My character oscillates between laughter and tears, navigating a wide spectrum of emotions. It requires immense mental fortitude to maintain composure while channeling such dynamic emotions. My character is a vibrant firecracker, and when I cry, I go all in. The preparation to embody this emotional whirlwind took every ounce of my energy and focus.

Overcoming Fear: Ali Larter’s Audition Experience with Taylor Sheridan

“I fought for this role because I wanted to showcase this remarkable character.”

I’m intrigued by your perspective on this role. One of the remarkable aspects is the unpredictability of Angela’s actions throughout the series.

ALI LARTER: Absolutely! Her character is incredibly wild!

In terms of preparing for the role, how much insight did Taylor or Christian provide regarding Angela’s character arc, and how much was based on your instinctual trust in Taylor’s vision?

ALI LARTER: First and foremost, you have to trust Taylor; that’s a given. Both Demi Moore and I can attest to that, as he has a clear understanding of where his characters are headed and lays a solid foundation. When I auditioned for Angela, I had to tackle an extensive screen test of 19 pages, which was both terrifying and challenging. Yet, from the moment I encountered Angela’s character on the page, I was determined to secure the role. I fought for the chance to portray this remarkable woman—one who is vibrant, fun, flirty, and very much alive. I didn’t want to take on a mundane role; Angela was a character brimming with life, love, and joy, making her incredibly enjoyable to play.

Working with Taylor was an exhilarating experience, as he has a knack for writing compelling narratives tailored to his actors. He immerses us in the world of the Permian Basin, showcasing the perils of the oil industry. With Christian Wallace as a collaborator, we maintain authenticity, as he comes from that world. His podcast, Boomtown, provided a valuable glimpse into this universe. Taylor’s talent for crafting dynamic characters around this setting is compelling. Once you commit, you realize that you can trust him completely. I have unwavering faith in his direction, and I am eager to embrace whatever he envisions for my character.

The Thrills of Collaborating with Billy Bob Thornton