Billy Bob Thornton’s self-identification as a “radical moderate” might seem evasive to some, but it’s a label he’s used before to express his disapproval of political extremism. Back in 2021, Thornton openly discussed his evolving political stance, moving from a liberal viewpoint in his youth to a more centrist perspective. Reflecting on the political landscape, he remarked, “I was a hippie in my youth, a liberal. But when you sit back and look at what’s going on in the world, the reality is that there are just as many unbearable people on the liberal left as there are on the ultra-right,” he shared with Metro Philadelphia.

His recent conversation with Joe Rogan further illuminated his reluctance to delve into political specifics. Despite Rogan’s own shifting views on figures like Donald Trump, Thornton remained reticent. However, in his earlier Metro Philadelphia interview, he candidly commented on the divisive nature of Trump’s presidency, describing it as a source of widespread frustration. This evolution in his political thinking marks a shift from the typical liberal celebrity stance to a more nuanced, centrist viewpoint.

One key reason Thornton shies away from political discourse is his belief that he lacks the expertise required for meaningful commentary. “Unless you have really studied stuff and really know about a subject fully, who the hell would want to listen to an actor or a musician talk about politics?” Thornton questioned during his appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” He expressed skepticism about the influence of celebrity opinions, wondering, “Are we supposed to follow this?”

Discussing the issue with Variety, Thornton speculated that assumptions about Sheridan’s political leanings might have played a role. He urged viewers to approach “Landman” without a political agenda, asserting that such biases detract from the show’s narrative richness. As he told PA in 2024, relayed by The Standard, “I think people should watch it with no agenda, because we used to watch things with no agenda.”

Thornton also seems to avoid sharing much about his political views for self-preservation. He seemingly prefers to keep his public persona tied to his characters so as not to close any doors. And it seems to have worked. While we may not hear much about Thornton these days, he continues to find meaningful work, as “Landman” attests. In January 2026, he shared that he believes politics might affect careers in the entertainment industry.

Thornton considered “Landman” creator Taylor Sheridan’s lack of recognition at awards shows a good example. “I think a lot of it’s political. I really do. I think some people assume Taylor is some sort of right-wing guy or something, and he’s really not,” he told Variety. In the same vein, he urged viewers to separate politics from “Landman,” arguing that politicizing the show takes away its depth. “I think people should watch it with no agenda, because we used to watch things with no agenda,” he told PA in 2024 (via The Standard).