Jacob Lofland: 5 Shocking Facts About Cooper Norris, The Landman’s Ambitious Son

The character known simply as the "son from Landman," Cooper Norris, has quickly become one of the most compelling and unpredictable figures in Taylor Sheridan’s gritty neo-Western drama, Landman. Portrayed with a compelling mix of ambition and raw vulnerability by actor Jacob Lofland, Cooper is the volatile heart of the Norris family, constantly navigating the dangerous and high-stakes world of the Texas oil industry. As of the latest updates in December 2025, the series continues to explore Cooper’s journey from a roughneck roustabout to a fledgling oilman, a path fraught with risk that pits him directly against his own father, Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton).

This deep dive explores the man behind the character, Jacob Lofland, and the five most crucial, often shocking, aspects of Cooper Norris’s character arc that have captivated audiences and established him as a central figure in the Paramount+ series. From his breakout role in an acclaimed independent film to the dramatic turning point in his oil-field career, here is everything you need to know about the actor and the ambitious "son from Landman."

Jacob Lofland: The Actor Behind Cooper Norris

Jacob Lofland, the actor who brings the complex Cooper Norris to life, is a celebrated talent with a background rooted in the kind of Southern grit that perfectly suits the Landman universe. His career is marked by a series of critically praised roles that showcase his ability to portray intense, emotionally charged characters.

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• Full Name: Jacob Seth Lofland
• Date of Birth: July 30, 1996
• Age: 29 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Alma, Arkansas, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Notable Film Roles: Mud (2012), Little Accidents (2014), Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)
• Notable TV Roles: Texas Rising (2015), Justified (2015), Landman (2024–Present)
• Accolades: Won the Robert Altman Award at the Independent Spirit Awards for his work in Mud (2014).

1. His Breakout Role Was An Indie Film Masterpiece

Long before Jacob Lofland was battling the elements in the Permian Basin for Landman, he earned critical acclaim for his debut performance in the 2012 film Mud. Starring alongside Matthew McConaughey and Tye Sheridan, Lofland played Neckbone, a young boy who helps an escaped fugitive. His performance was a raw, naturalistic portrayal that earned him the prestigious Robert Altman Award at the Independent Spirit Awards, a major early career achievement. This early success established his talent for portraying characters from rural, working-class backgrounds, setting the stage for his role in the Texas-based oil drama.

2. The Character is a Roustabout-Turned-Risk-Taker

Cooper Norris begins the series as a *roustabout*—a general laborer on the oil patch—but his ambition quickly outpaces his experience. His character arc is defined by a desperate need to prove himself, not just to his father, Tommy Norris, but to the entire unforgiving world of the *Permian Basin* oil business. The latest updates on his storyline confirm a dramatic shift: Cooper decides to strike out on his own, attempting to start his own oil enterprise. This move is the central conflict of his Season 2 narrative, transforming him from a supporting family figure to a primary risk-taker in the series.

3. The Father-Son Dynamic is Landman’s Emotional Core

The relationship between Cooper and his father, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton), is the emotional bedrock of Landman. Tommy, a seasoned *landman* who secures drilling rights, knows the dangers and moral compromises of the industry all too well. His constant worry stems from seeing his son repeat his own high-risk mistakes, but with less experience. The tension is palpable: Cooper craves independence and respect, while Tommy fears his son's ambition will lead to disaster. Jacob Lofland has discussed the emotional weight of these scenes, noting how the characters’ shared history informs their volatile interactions, making the father-son conflict a crucial element of the show's topical authority.

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4. Cooper’s Season 2 Plot Twist Involves Love and Loss

A significant, and for some fans, shocking, development in Cooper’s storyline for the new season involves his relationship with Ariana. The relationship, which provided a brief moment of stability for the hardheaded son, reaches a dramatic turning point. The breakup between Cooper and Ariana is seen by many critics as a necessary move to further isolate Cooper, forcing him to fully commit to his dangerous oil ventures. This emotional setback acts as a catalyst, pushing the young Norris into deeper, more complicated professional risks as he chases the elusive "big strike" in the Texas oil fields.

5. Jacob Lofland is a Taylor Sheridan Universe Veteran

Landman is co-created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, and its themes of family, ambition, and the American West align perfectly with Sheridan’s established body of work, which includes *Yellowstone* and *1883*. Jacob Lofland’s casting is a testament to Sheridan’s eye for authentic talent, as the actor's previous roles often feature the same kind of rugged, regional authenticity. By joining the *Landman* cast, Lofland becomes another key entity in the expansive Taylor Sheridan television universe, cementing his status as a go-to actor for complex, Western-adjacent drama. His portrayal of Cooper Norris, a young man trying to carve out his legacy in a brutal industry, is a perfect fit for the neo-Western themes that define Sheridan’s storytelling.

The Future of Cooper Norris in Landman

The latest narrative updates position Cooper Norris at the center of the high-stakes drama. He is no longer just the troubled son; he is now a direct competitor and a major player in the *Landman* universe. His decision to launch his own oil business, moving from a *roustabout* to a *landman* in his own right, is the ultimate high-risk gamble. The question that remains for audiences is whether his ambition will lead to a massive financial strike or a slow-motion disaster. With the series renewed for a third season, the intense father-son dynamic and Cooper’s perilous climb up the oil-field ladder are guaranteed to remain the most compelling storylines on Paramount+.

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The intense focus on Cooper in the new season highlights the show's dedication to exploring the generational conflict within the *oil business*—a key element of topical authority for the series. Jacob Lofland's ability to embody this struggle, balancing youthful arrogance with underlying desperation, makes the "son from Landman" one of the most talked-about characters in modern television.