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If you’re captivated by the high-stakes drama of “Landman,” a series that navigates the perilous landscape of lucrative oil land deals, you’ll find no shortage of similar films and TV shows to explore. One intriguing aspect of “Landman” is its impressive cast, including the talented Jacob Lofland. Despite his youth, Lofland delivers a standout performance as Cooper Norris, a character driven by both ambition and naivety as he navigates the cutthroat oil industry. Lofland’s burgeoning career already boasts an impressive resume, including a film that helped reinvigorate Matthew McConaughey’s career.
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
Matthew McConaughey, after spending years in the limelight of romantic comedies and enduring the perplexing “Tiptoes,” experienced a career renaissance in the early 2010s. While his Oscar-winning role in “Dallas Buyers Club” is often cited as a turning point, his performance in “Mud” is arguably one of his finest. In “Mud,” McConaughey portrays the titular character, a fugitive seeking refuge on a riverboat, who enlists the help of two boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Lofland), in his quest for freedom.
“Mud” garnered critical acclaim, achieving a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing $32 million from a modest $10 million budget. This film showcased McConaughey’s ability to lead serious dramas, paving the way for subsequent roles in “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Interstellar,” and “True Detective.” For Jacob Lofland, working alongside McConaughey proved transformative.
“Mud” marked Lofland’s entry into the acting world. Prior to this, his experience was limited to school plays until his mother stumbled upon an open casting call for the film. Outshining dozens of other hopefuls, Lofland secured the role, launching a successful career that eventually led to parts in the “Maze Runner” franchise and a reunion with McConaughey in 2016’s “Free State of Jones.” Collaborating with McConaughey profoundly influenced Lofland’s perspective on acting.
Years later, in a conversation with McConaughey for Interview magazine, Lofland reflected on the lessons learned from his esteemed co-star. “You taught me the most on ‘Mud,'” Lofland shared. “You always show up for your scene partners and give 110%. You don’t leave until the day is done. That is what started me off, and then keeping that mindset going and meeting all these other people who are dedicated to the craft, it makes you want to work harder.”
Jacob Lofland learned much from Matthew McConaughey on Mud
Lionsgate
“Mud” was the very first acting gig Jacob Lofland ever landed. He had done some school plays before, but one day, his mother came across an open casting call for a little movie called “Mud.” He beat out a few dozen other teenagers for the part, but it kicked off a lucrative career that saw him get into the “Maze Runner” franchise. He’d also reunite with Matthew McConaughey for 2016’s “Free State of Jones,” and getting to work alongside the actor really changed how Lofland viewed the entire process of acting.
Years after they had first met, Lofland and McConaughey spoke with each other for Interview magazine. Lofland revealed what he took away from McConaughey: “You taught me the most on ‘Mud,’” he recalled. “You always show up for your scene partners and give 110%. You don’t leave until the day is done. That is what started me off, and then keeping that mindset going and meeting all these other people who are dedicated to the craft, it makes you want to work harder.”Â
Lofland has certainly been putting in the work, culminating in his “Landman” stint. The show’s been a huge hit for Paramount+ with mostly positive reviews — including from Looper, which praised its “oil cowboy machismo.” Intriguingly, Lofland admitted during his chat with McConaughey that if he didn’t get a taste for acting on “Mud,” he probably would have wound up working on an oil rig, much like how his “Landman” character works as a roughneck. Some things just seem destined to be.
