Billy Bob Thornton’s Unlikely Holiday Classic: From Landman to Bad Santa
Billy Bob Thornton’s role in Taylor Sheridan’s Landman is just the start. Discover why his performance in Bad Santa has become a must-watch for anyone tired of traditional holiday films, and what the future may hold for this cult favorite.
Billy Bob Thornton takes center stage in Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, portraying Tommy Norris, a veteran landman and crisis fixer for a major oil company. While his gritty performance in this neo- Western series has earned plenty of fans, there’s another side to Thornton that’s perfect for the holiday season—especially for those who aren’t into the usual festive fare. Bad Santa, a film that turns the classic Santa Claus image upside down, is a must-see for anyone looking for something different this December.
Bad Santa: A Holiday Movie for the Rest of Us
Directed by Terry Zwigoff and released on November 26, 2003, Bad Santa stars Thornton alongside Tony Cox, Lauren Graham, and Brett Kelly. The film runs for 92 minutes and was produced by Imperative Entertainment. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 78% and an audience rating of 75%, it ’s clear this isn’t your average Christmas movie.
Thornton plays Willie T. Soke, a hard-drinking con artist who poses as a mall Santa every year, only to rob the stores on Christmas Eve. This isn’t the kind of feel-good story you’d expect during the holidays, but that’s exactly what makes it stand out. The film is packed with sharp, irreverent humor and a plot that’s as twisted as it is hilarious.
What Sets Bad Santa Apart
Unlike the majority of holiday films, Bad Santa is a dark comedy loaded with adult jokes and offbeat characters. Thornton’s character is the ultimate anti-hero, delivering lines that are as crude as they are funny. Yet, beneath all the chaos, there’s a surprising amount of heart. Willie’s unlikely friendship with Thurman, a socially awkward and lonely kid, brings out a more human side to the story.
No one expected a movie with this premise to become a hit, but it’s now considered a cult classic. Thornton’s performance is a big reason why—it’s both outrageously rude and unexpectedly touching. The film is definitely not for kids, with its constant stream of profanity and wild antics, but it’s perfect for adults looking for a holiday movie that’s a little more real and a lot more fun.
Could Bad Santa 3 Be on the Way?
Recently, Thornton appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, where he shared his thoughts on the possibility of returning for a third installment. He admitted to feeling a sense of “ownership” when he sees others dressed as Santa. When asked about Bad Santa 3, he said:
There’s been talk of it, and my manager said there have been probably 50 pitches, and they’re all horrible, and finally, just a couple of weeks ago, he heard one that he really likes. So there is a possibility of a Bad Santa 3.
Fans of the original have reason to be excited, as there’s a real chance Thornton could don the red suit once again—possibly as soon as Christmas 2026. For now, Bad Santa is available to stream on HBO Max, while Landman can be found on Paramount+ in the U.S.