Debunking AI: Landman Star Paulina Chavez Reflects On Her Most Rewarding Scene Yet

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Season 2 of Landman is now available, and Paulina Chavez, who plays Ariana, is keeping details about the new season under wraps. However, she recently discussed her character’s development on ScreenRant’s Debunking AI podcast. In Season 1, Ariana dealt with the loss of her husband, who died in an oil field accident, and began a new relationship with Cooper (Jacob Lofland). It remains to be seen if that relationship will last.

The second season of Landman starts off positively for both Cooper and his dad, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton). Tommy is thriving in his new role as president of M-Tex, and Cooper’s oil well is finally producing a lot of oil, which should significantly improve things for him and Ariana. However, Ariana doesn’t seem happy about this good news, leaving fans to question if trouble is brewing for the couple.

During the Debunking AI interview, Ariana Chavez didn’t directly address the question, but she shared some clues about what her character will experience in Landman season 2. She also talked about her favorite moment from the first season, the music she listens to in order to prepare for her role, and other interesting details. You can watch the complete interview here, and below are some of the key takeaways.

Yelling At Billy Bob Thornton Was One Of Her Most Terrifying (And Rewarding) Landman Moments

Chavez spoke fondly of the cheerful atmosphere on the set of Landman, even when filming difficult and emotionally charged scenes. She particularly remembered the dinner scene with Thornton’s character, Tommy, explaining that having to ask him to leave felt surprisingly daunting. She said she deeply connected with her character’s honesty in that moment, but admitted it was challenging to raise her voice to such a respected actor.

Chavez enthusiastically praised working with Billy, saying he was incredibly easygoing and fun. She shared a funny story about how Billy specifically requested the stew be very spicy, and it ended up being so hot that everyone, including herself, coughed and struggled with the first bite. She recounted the scene and her co-star’s reaction to it with a charmingly honest detail.

While reading the scene, I really wanted Ariana to succeed and found myself cheering her on. Then it hit me that I actually had to deliver some tough lines to Billy Bob Thornton. But the best part was after one take, while I was holding the door open and telling him to leave, he said my reactions were beautiful. That meant a lot coming from Billy Bob.

Landman Season 2 Lets Ariana Be A “Badass”

AI described Ariana as quietly strong, determined, and someone who always perseveres, and Chavez agreed with that assessment. The actress herself said Ariana is “resilient, strong, and bold,” and hinted that viewers will see much more of this side of her in the upcoming season.

Reflecting on the first season, Chavez explained that the character hadn’t even begun to process her grief. She praised how the show allowed her to authentically experience her mourning for her late husband, calling it “so beautiful.” Now that the initial mourning period has passed, Chavez is excited for audiences to see the character’s strength and resilience in the upcoming season, describing her as a “total badass.”

It remains to be seen if Ariana’s strong personality will thrive with Cooper, and Chavez didn’t want to reveal too much. She playfully said viewers will have to watch season 2 to find out if their relationship works. However, she did share that Ariana’s personal growth will definitely impact her love life. This season, Ariana is really focusing on understanding what she wants and needs as an individual, beyond just being in a relationship, and figuring out how to achieve personal fulfillment.

Paulina Chavez Reveals Her Landman Playlist

Many dedicated fans know this, but some viewers might be surprised to learn how much the singer Selena influenced actress Chavez’s performance as Ariana. Chavez revealed that her playlist for the first season included both Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and Selena Quintanilla’s ‘Dreaming of You.’ She explained that ‘Dreaming of You,’ particularly as it was featured in the Selena movie, always reminded her of Selena’s tragic death. Chavez said this connection helped her access the strong emotions and tears required for her role.

She also found comfort in music from up-and-coming artists while filming. She especially loved Raye’s My 21st Century Blues, saying she still listens to it often. For season two, she relied on Bad Bunny’s latest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, to get her through each day on set, often playing it loudly on her way to work.

Despite some strange outputs – like inventing a STEM background and writing a fictional story about Ariana Grande’s letters to her late husband – Chavez felt the AI performed surprisingly well. She admitted, “I was actually surprised by some of its responses, because they reflected thoughts and things I’ve only had privately. That’s a little scary, but overall, I think it’s fantastic. Good work, AI!”

Check out our other Debunking AI episodes here:

  • Peacemaker Season 2’s Steve Agee
  • S.W.A.T.’s Annie Ilonzeh
  • My Oxford Year’s Corey Mylchreest
  • Twisted Metal Season 2’s Stephanie Beatriz
  • Wednesday Season 2’s Noah Taylor & Georgie Farmer
  • The Wrong Paris’ Miranda Cosgrove & Pearson Fodé
  • The Senior’s Michael Chiklis
  • The Strangers: Chapter 2’s Madelaine Petsch
  • The Paper’s Chelsea Frei, Ramona Young & Melvin Gregg
  • Tulsa King Season 3’s Neal McDonough
  • Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’s David Henrie & Janine LeAnn Brown
  • Ghosts Season 5’s Danielle Pinnock
  • Landman Season 2’s Kayla Wallace

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2025-11-22 20:10