kk.Kayla Wallace Almost Played Teen Ainsley on Landman — Taylor Sheridan Created a Lawyer Role Just for Her Instead
Los Angeles, CA – January 21, 2026
When Landman first began casting, one name quietly circled for the role of 17-year-old Ainsley Norris: Kayla Wallace.
The actress — best known for her grounded, emotionally layered performances — auditioned for the teenage daughter of Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton). Ultimately, the part went to 26-year-old Michelle Randolph, whose fresh, youthful energy perfectly captured the rebellious, vulnerable Ainsley audiences have come to love.
But Taylor Sheridan didn’t let Wallace walk away.
Instead, the prolific writer-producer created an entirely new character specifically for her: the sharp, no-nonsense lawyer who becomes a pivotal figure in the high-stakes world of West Texas oil.
In a recent interview clip that has fans buzzing again, Sheridan confirmed what many had long suspected:
“Kayla came in and read for Ainsley, and she was fantastic — but she’s 32. We all saw it. She’s got this quiet strength, this maturity. I couldn’t put her in a high-schooler’s wardrobe and pretend it worked. So I wrote something else. The lawyer role didn’t exist until she walked in the room.”
Wallace, speaking on a podcast last month, laughed about the pivot:
“I left the audition thinking, ‘Well, that was fun, but I’m clearly not 17 anymore.’ Then Taylor called and said, ‘I’ve got something better for you.’ Honestly, I’m so grateful. Ainsley is perfect for Michelle — and this role feels like it was always meant to be mine.”
Fans on social media are having a field day with the “what if” scenario:
- “Kayla as Ainsley? No way. She’s got ‘grown woman with receipts’ energy, not ‘grounded teenager’ energy 😂”
- “Michelle Randolph IS Ainsley. Age-appropriate casting won here.”
- “Taylor Sheridan literally wrote a whole new character for Kayla Wallace. That’s next-level respect.”
- “Both roles were cast perfectly. No notes.”
Wallace, 32, brings a completely different texture to Landman as the attorney navigating legal landmines, family drama, and the ruthless oil business. Her chemistry with Thornton, Jon Hamm, and the rest of the ensemble has been widely praised as one of the show’s strongest elements.
Meanwhile, Michelle Randolph’s portrayal of Ainsley — petulant, heartbroken, fiercely loyal — has become one of the breakout performances of the series.
Sheridan’s decision to tailor a role rather than force a fit has only added to his reputation as a creator who prioritizes authenticity and the right actor over preconceived ideas.
And for fans? The consensus is clear: both women ended up exactly where they belonged.
Kayla Wallace as a teenage Ainsley? Most agree — they can’t picture it either. And thank goodness they didn’t have to.
Landman continues Sundays on Paramount+.
