‘Landman’ Fans Can Catch Michelle Randolph in Another Taylor Sheridan Show

Despite getting off to a rough start, character-wise, in Taylor Sheridan‘s latest series, Landman, Michelle Randolph‘s Ainsley Norris soon became one of the most loved characters on the show. Since its release on November 17, 2024, Landman has gone on to become one of the most-watched originals on Paramount+, with many attributing its success to the performance of its cast as well as its compelling storyline. Randolph’s Ainsley first attracted some controversy owing to how she was depicted on the show. However, the gradual development of her character, from an overly sexualized girl to a young woman looking to build a serious relationship, made Ainsley one of the most notable on Landman.

Although all signals indicate that Landman is likely to be renewed for a second season, with no official announcement made, viewers who want to see Michelle Randolph in action again may have to hold their horses for some time yet. However, Randolph will be starring in a different Taylor Sheridan project this coming month. Randolph will join Sheridan in the upcoming second season of 1923, scheduled to premiere on February 23, 2025.

Who Does Michelle Randolph Play in ‘1923’?

After a bit more than a two-year hiatus, Randolph will reprise her role as Elizabeth “Liz” Strafford in 1923. Starring several talented actors, including veterans of the industry Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, 1923 is a prequel to Sheridan’s hit series Yellowstone. The series introduces a new generation of the Dutton family and chronicles their journey as they navigate the early 20th century and the pandemics, droughts and Great Depression that plagued the mountain west during the time.

Randolph’s Elizabeth is the fiancée of Jack Dutton in the series. Despite her family, too, owning a ranch and having been away at school in New York, Elizabeth is unaccustomed to life on a ranch. Given this, much of her story centers on the hard work and sacrifice she is called to put in as she learns the ropes of running a ranch and the perils that come with it. Despite the learning curve, Elizabeth is strong-willed and feisty, weathering storms, including the death of her father and unborn child.

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Randolph’s role in 1923 bears many similarities to her character in Landman, especially in terms of character growth and development. Similarly to Ainsley’s evolution in Landman, Elizabeth, too, transforms from being naive and unacquainted to being well-versed in and accustomed to the ways of the ranch and the hardships of life.

Michelle Randolph and Taylor Sheridan Work Well Together

Michelle Randolph had her breakout role in Season 1 of 1923, which was followed by Sheridan inviting Randolph to audition for her role in Landman. Although excited to join another Sheridan-led show, Randolph has expressed that she didn’t expect to play a role in Landman, given that she was meant to be filming for the second season of 1923. However, given Sheridan’s reputation for using the same actors for multiple projects, Randolph’s recurring involvement in Sheridan’s works is to be expected.

Now returning for its follow-up season, Randolph has expressed that she is eager to join hands with Sheridan once again. Speaking during an interview with CBR, she said:

“I’m just happy to be working with Taylor Sheridan again. I had the best experience [on] Season 1 of 1923 and then Landman, which is entirely separate, was equally as fun. And then Season 2 of 1923, it’s like a zigzag. But what’s nice about working with [Taylor] is it feels like a family. He does reuse a lot of actors and crew members.”

What Will ‘1923’ Season 2 Be About?

Given the ending of 1923 Season 1, it is likely that Jacob and Cara’s fight for the ranch will likely be the main narrative of the upcoming season. The official trailer released by Paramount+ also confirms that the Dutton’s fight for their land will be the biggest plot of the series. The end of the first season saw Whitfield paying an overdue property tax on the Dutton’s ranch. If the Dutton’s are unable to pay him back, the land will fall into his hands.

According to the trailer, Spencer’s journey home will also feature heavily in Season 2. Coming all the way from Africa, the difficulties that Spencer would have to face were expected. However, now separated from Alexandra, his journey becomes all the more difficult. As the trailer establishes, Spencer is well aware that he is running out of time to get home, while Alex is also in danger if the footage of her being grabbed from behind by an unknown man is anything to go by.

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In terms of Michelle Randolph’s character, it is likely that Elizabeth will hold an important place in Season 2’s narrative. The season will likely document how Liz and Jack handle the loss of their unborn child and deal with the tragedy. How the duo handle both the physical and mental challenges that the miscarriage brings, and how Liz’s character evolves in response, remains to be seen.

Where Else Have You Seen Michelle Randolph?

Michelle Randolph found her breakthrough role in Sheridan’s 1923. She then went on to star in Landman, firmly establishing herself within the Sheridan universe. However, prior to 1923, Randolph was involved in several other projects. Her first on-screen appearance was in 2017’s House of the Witch, directed by Alex Merkin. Randolph played the role of Rachel and, interestingly, had a romantic relationship with her 1923 costar, Darren Mann, in the indie horror film.

Following this, Randolph also held supporting roles in films including A Snow White Christmas (2018), 5 Years Apart (2019), and The Resort (2021). Post-1923, Randolph played the role of Shea in the 2023 comedy The Throwback. However, to date, Randolph is most famously known for her roles in Taylor Sheridan’s works and is a fan-favorite character of fans of both 1923 and Landman. 1923 is available for streaming on Paramount+ alongside Landman.