FORT WORTH, TX − You're never going to say "Where's Demi?" watching"Landman"again.Demi Mooreis sure about that.
Moore, 62, kicked off her run on the Taylor Sheridan drama last November amid a career resurgence fueled by her award-winning role in the body horror thriller "The Substance," in which she played an aging actress who undertakes a disastrous rejuvenation plan.
Yet throughout "Landman" Season 1, Moore's socialite Cami Miller toiled in luxury as the little-seen wife ofM-Tex Oil company founder Monty Miller(Jon Hamm).
"My joke last year, and it's the truth, is that I was the 'Where's Waldo?' on Season 1," says Moore, speaking from the "Landman" set in Texas.
Never again, Moore vows ahead of the Nov. 16 Season 2 premiere of the Paramount+ show. "It gets juicy," she says. "And it starts off with a bang."
Join our Watch Party!Sign up to receive USA TODAY's TV and movie recommendations right in your inbox
Moore's celebratory bangs last season were primarily movie awards. The first-time Oscar nominee expressed shock and joy at winning her first-ever industry honors after 45 years in showbiz: a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critics Choice, a Golden Globe. Moore's three daughters with ex-husband Bruce Willis −Scout,TallulahandRumer Willis− erupted into cheers after Mom won her Globe, as seen in a viral videoshared on Instagram.
While Cami was low-key in Season 1, there were no hard feelings. From Moore's first discussion with executive producer Sheridan, the plan was a "gentle setup" for Cami as Monty's faithful, together-since-college life partner, she says. But things took a turn when the hospitalized Monty closed his eyes in TV death during the Season 1 finale, marking the untimely exit of a significant character and a marquee actor.
"People were wondering, could (Hamm) have really gone? It was a nice little cliffhanger of uncertainty because people do resurface," Moore says. "But then everyone knew Jon left because he appeared on (Apple TV's)'Your Friends and Neighbors.'"
Hamm confirmed his "Landman" departure at the time,telling USA TODAYthat the plan was always for Monty's death to propel Cami, and Moore, into the spotlight. "It'll be fascinating to watch," he said.
Cami tees off on the 'Landman' doubters in Season 2 with an epic speech
On her first day back on the "Landman" set, Moore shot a pivotal scene for the Season 2 kickoff in which M-Tex's just-widowed new owner addresses a group of skeptical oil company executives and bankers. Cami unleashes on the group of "wolves out for blood."
"This is definitely a 'Don't (expletive) with me' moment," says Moore, laughing at her own cursing. She especially loved her mic drop when a smiling Cami departs the podium with "Enjoy your lunch, I paid for it with your (expletive) money."
Cami reveals the full palette of emotions during her drama-charged season, including mourning her lost husband. That's something Moore does magnificently and naturally, especially graveside in a navy Carolina Herrera gown, sunglasses in one hand, a designer bag in the other. The new company head also has a crash-course in running the business – and discovers that her dead hubby was cooking the books. "She's going through grief and an extreme learning curve," Moore says.
Moore says it was surreal shooting the scenes of Big Oil wealth, like Cami in her pink Roland Mouret gown outside a massive private jet.
"I kept wondering if the scene was too much," she says in apparent disbelief. "But I'm constantly reminded that this is what life is for these people."
Western acting legend Sam Elliott joins Billy Bob Thornton in "Landman" Season 2 (Paramount+, Nov. 16). See the first-look photos from the new chapter of executive producer Taylor Sheridan's Big Oil drama. (James Jordan, far left, plays engineer Dale Bradley.)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Cami (Demi Moore) and Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) work together on the business side of M-Tex Oil in Season 2 (pictured with Guy Burnet, left, as Charlie and Kayla Wallace as Rebecca)." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
'Landman' Season 2 photos: Billy Bob Thornton and the combustible Big Oil drama
Western acting legend Sam Elliott joins Billy Bob Thornton in "Landman" Season 2 (Paramount+, Nov. 16). See the first-look photos from the new chapter of executive producer Taylor Sheridan's Big Oil drama. (James Jordan, far left, plays engineer Dale Bradley.)
Her dramatic TV uptake has already won over her family. Moore hosted a Season 2 episode screening with daughter Tallulah and Willis' fiancé, musician Justin Acee.
"They really quite loved it," Moore says, adding that Cami's speech ender was a hit. "I was reassured by hearing lots of laughter."
Aside from "Landman," the Demi-surgence continues with her upcoming role in director Boots Riley's sci-fi comedy "I Love Boosters" (out May 22). As herinstantly classic Golden Globe speechmade clear, Moore has learned new lessons in career success.
"This year taught me that it really isn't over until we're ready for it to be over," Moore says. "It may change, it may look different, or be different. But it doesn't mean it's any less rich or meaningful."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Demi Moore jets into 'Landman' Season 2 with powerful new role
