Jon Hamm opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of filming his final scenes as Monty Miller in Landman. Set in West Texas, Landman follows Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), a landman for an independent oil rig, as he navigates the volatile world of oil. Created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, the legal procedural features strong performances from its ensemble cast, including Hamm, Thornton, and Demi Moore. Hamm’s performance in Landman has captured attention from critics and audiences alike, particularly due to Monty’s relatable character. Landman is available to stream on Paramount+.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hamm shared details about the shooting of his final scenes, which took place in a hospital setting. While Monty’s fate was left uncertain in the season finale, Wallace later confirmed that Monty died. Hamm reflected on the difficulty of filming Monty’s death scene, noting the technical challenges involved with the hospital scene but also expressing his appreciation for the strong chemistry among the cast. According to Hamm, their rapport made filming Landman more enjoyable despite the emotional strain. Check out his comments below:

Those kinds of scenes are particularly difficult because you’re on your way out, basically, and that’s not fun. But honestly, being with the caliber of actors that I was with — Demi [Moore] and Billy Bob and everybody involved — it was just truly outstanding. You go, “This is a spectacular group of people,” and I just can’t imagine it being any more exciting or fun. Obviously, the particulars of the job in that case are a little difficult given that you’ve got tubes and a bunch of gunk all up in you, but the rest of it is fun. Who gets to be present at their own death, you know? (Laughs)

What This Means For Landman Going Forward
It Will Be Interesting To See How Landman Persists Without Monty

For Landman, Hamm’s exit poses a significant shift to the plot. Monty’s death, a result of being too weak to survive a heart transplant he received, marks the end of his role in accentuating the moral ambiguities of the oil world. Monty subtly challenged the motivations of those around him while embodying the consequences of his unchecked ambition. Moving into Landman’s second season, the show now faces the challenge of evolving its storyline without Monty.

On the production side of things, Hamm’s departure means a change in the show’s creative direction. His final scenes were not just a personal farewell but a complicated sequence to film, involving the use of medical props and prosthetics. As Hamm explained, these technical elements can make filming physically demanding, especially when dealing with scenes that require extensive makeup or equipment. However, Hamm’s involvement with a talented cast made these difficulties easier to manage, and his time on set was upheld by a sense of camaraderie that he appreciated throughout production.

From a broader perspective, the behind-the-scenes talent on Landman has contributed significantly to the success of the show. With seasoned actors like Hamm, Moore, and Thornton sharing the screen, production has benefited from their collective experience, which has helped bring Landman’s layered storytelling to fruition. Hamm’s departure might signal a shift in that, though it also paves the way for a larger role for Moore. Either way, Landman season 2 will be vastly different.

Our Take On Hamm’s Final Landman Scenes
Hamm’s Comments Are A Moving Tribute To His Time On The Show

Hamm’s commentary on his final scenes in Landman provides valuable insight into the challenges actors face when portraying the death of a character. While the technical aspects of such scenes can be difficult, Hamm’s ability to find enjoyment in the process, especially from the help of a talented ensemble, speaks to his professionalism and commitment to his portrayal of Monty. Monty’s departure is a pivotal plot point, and Hamm’s reflections offer a moving goodbye to a character who has been integral to the show’s first season. As Landman now moves forward, the impact of Hamm’s performance will be remembered for seasons to come.