Billy Bob Thornton’s Unlikely Christmas Classic: From Landman to Bad Santa
Billy Bob Thornton’s role in Taylor Sheridan’s Landman is a hit, but his turn in Bad Santa offers a Christmas film experience like no other. Discover why this offbeat classic is perfect for those tired of the usual festive fare.
Billy Bob Thornton has made a name for himself as Tommy Norris in Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, playing a seasoned landman and crisis fixer for a major oil outfit. But if you’re keen on seeing a different side of Thornton this festive season, it’s worth giving Bad Santa a go. This film takes the usual jolly Santa image and turns it completely on its head, offering something for punters who aren’t fussed on the standard Christmas flick.
Bad Santa: A Christmas Film for the Rest of Us
Directed by Terry Zwigoff and released in late 2003, Bad Santa stars Thornton alongside Tony Cox, Lauren Graham, and Brett Kelly. The story follows Willie T. Soke, a bloke who spends his holidays dressed as Santa at shopping centres, only to rob the place on Christmas Eve. It’s not your typical feel-good Christmas story, but that’s the charm. The film leans into dark comedy, with plenty of crude jokes and adult humour, making it a cult favourite for those who prefer their festive films with a bit of bite.
Willie isn’t your average hero. He’s a con man, a heavy drinker, and not exactly a role model. But as the story unfolds, his unlikely friendship with Thurman, a socially awkward kid, brings out a more human side. The film’s offbeat characters and sharp punchlines set it apart from the usual Christmas fare, and Thornton’s performance is a big reason it works so well.
Why Bad Santa Stands Out
Unlike most Christmas films, Bad Santa doesn’t shy away from showing the rougher edges of the season. There’s plenty of swearing, drunken antics, and moments that are definitely not for the kids. But beneath all the chaos, there’s a story about loneliness and finding connection in unexpected places. Thornton manages to be both hilariously rude and oddly sympathetic, which is no small feat.
The film’s success caught many by surprise, but it’s now considered a classic for those who want something different at Christmas. It’s not all laughs and mischief—there’s a bit of heart tucked away in there, too. Just don’t expect the usual holiday cheer.
Will There Be a Bad Santa 3?
Thornton recently popped up on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where he admitted he feels a bit of “ownership” when he sees others donning the Santa suit. When asked about the possibility of a third Bad Santa instalment, he shared:
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.
That’s promising news for fans hoping to see Thornton back in the red suit. While he hasn’t read the script yet, there’s a chance we could see another round of Willie’s antics by Christmas 2026. For now, you can catch Bad Santa on HBO Max, and Landman is streaming on Paramount+ for those in the States.