When Ali Larter declared, “It doesn’t bother me,” in response to criticism about her character in Landman, it embodied a firm commitment to Taylor Sheridan’s creative vision—one that some fans say might be misplaced, especially considering what happened to Kelly Reilly’s character on Yellowstone.

Over seven electrifying seasons, Kelly Reilly portrayed Beth Dutton—fiery, fierce, and emotionally nuanced. Reilly expressed deep gratitude, saying the role “changed me … lit me up … challenged me in every way possible,” and giving credit to Sheridan for offering her that powerful opportunity People.com. Yet as Yellowstone wrapped, Beth’s arc left many viewers feeling her story was shoehorned into a destructive dramatic crescendo, sparking criticism of Sheridan’s handling of female characters Business InsiderSouthern Living.

Fast forward to Landman—a new series from Sheridan, where Ali Larter plays Angela Norris, a complex, glamorous, and emotionally layered figure navigating the gritty oil world. Critics worried that Sheridan’s track record might mirror Beth’s fate. But when facing backlash, Larter brushed it off, saying the criticism “doesn’t bother me” FandomWire.

In interviews, Larter emphasized her trust in Sheridan’s vision and the multi-dimensional nature of her role. She explained that Angela’s flashy exterior—down to the whipped-cream bikini vibe—is balanced by her vulnerability, her struggle to hold her family together beneath the surface FandomWiremeaww.com. She stated she’s fully comfortable with the role’s sexualized elements and trusts Sheridan’s direction implicitly—claiming, “If there was something I was uncomfortable with, I wouldn’t do it” EW.comPeople.com.

One emotionally intense scene from Landman—an eight-minute kitchen breakdown as Angela attempts to reunite her family over a Bolognese dinner—highlighted these layers. Larter described it as far more emotionally demanding than any glamorous scenes, showing her commitment to exploring Angela’s inner fragility Animated Times.

Still, fans aren’t entirely convinced. They point to Beth’s brave yet tragic arc on Yellowstone as a cautionary tale. What started as one of Sheridan’s most iconic roles ended in heartbreak and disappointment for many viewers. Larter’s unwavering loyalty, therefore, raises concerns: will Angela Norris endure a similarly destructive narrative, or could this time be different?

On one hand, Larter’s stance reflects agency and confidence in her craft: she welcomed Sheridan’s layered yet sensational direction, embraced Angela’s boldness, and anchored the character with emotional authenticity.

On the other hand, the skepticism exists for good reason. Sheridan’s storytelling has often been critiqued for sidelining female arcs in favor of macho narratives—something Yellowstone fans know all too well. Larter’s optimism is admirable—but fans are watching closely, hoping Angela doesn’t become yet another casualty of a male-driven storytelling skew.

Ultimately, Ali Larter and Kelly Reilly both put their faith in Sheridan—but with different outcomes. While Reilly’s portrayal culminated in soul-stirring yet controversial closure, Larter’s future remains unwritten—and viewers hope that her portrayal remains bold, multi-dimensional, and enduring.