Landman star talks Corpus Christi connection, working with Coastal Bend native for red carpet looks

Landman star Paulina Chávez talks with 3News anchor Leslie Adami to discuss Corpus Christi’s quiet role, but her real-life connection.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Fans of the hit TV series Landman may be feeling a little bittersweet now that the season finale has come and gone. After weeks of must-watch Sundays, the inevitable question lingers: what now?

Don’t worry – no spoilers here.

However, you may remember a moment from a few episodes back that caught the attention of South Texas viewers. One of the characters, Ariana, casually name-dropped Corpus Christi as the place where her father lives in the show. A minor mention, perhaps, but an exciting one nonetheless.

And as it turns out, the Coastal Bend connection doesn’t stop with the script.

Paulina Chávez was born in El Paso and raised in San Antonio. The 23-year-old star spoke with 3News Anchor, Leslie Adami about just how surreal life feels these days as she works alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Sam Elliott and Ali Larter.

And just like her character, Paulina also shares a real fondness for Corpus Christi.

Growing up, Chavez says weekend trips to the coast were a staple for her and her family.

“We used to do weekend trips to Corpus so much with family friends and always visiting the Selena museum and her statue,” Chavez said.

“I mean I just have so many fond memories of going to the beach over there.”

Those memories still resonate — and she wouldn’t mind making a few new ones on set.

“That would be so fun if next season we can actually go and shoot a little something!”

As Landman continues to gain momentum, Chavez says the experience of being part of such a star-studded cast hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“It’s surreal, I’m still pinching myself.”

For Chavez, working alongside industry legends has been more than just a career milestone, it’s been a lesson in humility and longevity:

“I think the most beautiful thing about working with these legends is just seeing how down to earth they are and you see how they’ve been in this industry so long – it’s because of how grounded they are,” Chavez shared.

“I’ve mostly worked with Billy Bob [Thornton] – he is such an inspiration someone to look up to, just the way he sets the tone for the whole cast and crew. He’s number 1 on the call sheet, he’s such a kind soul. I’ve learned a lot from him just seeing how he walks through work and life.”

We asked Paulina if there are any parallels in her life to that of her character, Ariana’s.

“Having now two seasons under my belt, there were so many moments I saw my grandma, even my mom in Ariana and definitely taken her strength and her resilience, I carry that with me,” explained Chavez. “It’s been such a confidence booster to share what you want – and not be afraid to tell people how it is, so now I do find her [Ariana} very near and dear to my heart.”

And there is another layer to Landman’s South Texas connection – one that bridges television, fashion and homegrown talent.

Enter Nico, a Coastal Bend native and the designer behind the brand Don Nico, who viewers may recognize from previous TV-3 features.

Chavez and Nico first connected over Instagram, bonding over a shared love of Tejano couture.

Chavez wore one of Nico’s designs to the Landman season two premiere and later starred in his most recent runway show in San Antonio.

After speaking with both artists, it’s clear the admiration runs both ways, and that this collaboration is just getting started.

For Nico, the partnership represents more than fashion.

“It’s really important for me to not only be a designer who is aware of what clothing can do – but to be open to be collaborator – to others who see themselves in the clothes.”

A collaborative spark that was immediate.

“With Paulina, she was like, ‘I think it needs this, I think it needs that. It needs this.’ She was just, more aware, and to me, that was kinda like, ‘oh there’s something here.!'”

One dress, in particular, stood out. One thing led to another, and she was wearing a Don Nico design on the season 2 premiere of Landman.

“She was so connected to this sketch, it was waiting for her.”

For Nico, the experience has been deeply rewarding.

“It’s exciting to work with people who want to spend time with you and who also want to understand you.”

A sentiment that Chavez echoes, and also hints that it is only the beginning.

“Nico is now just such a dear friend of mine, and I absolutely adore him. He’s so talented and we definitely have the same vision,” Chavez said.

“I hope to always work with him – it’s definitely a relationship that we’re going to have for many many years, so I hope to continue collaborating with him.”

As for what’s next, Chavez was headed straight to her next role on the day of the interview – though those details are still under wraps.

What is confirmed: Landman has officially been renewed for a third season.

And while fans wait to see where the story goes next, one thing’s clear: South Texas does have a meaningful place in the Landman universe.

A little-known “fun-fact” that we learned about Chavez during our interview, was that she even started her own scholarship program after being inspired her sister, who is a civil engineer. Chavez recalled going to her graduation and noticing there were only five women in her class. She created it while working on a previous show, The Expanding Universe of Ashely Garcia, where Chavez played a 15-year-old rocket scientist.

“It’s very much eye-opening how there are so many intelligent Latinas, Latinos who are changing the world and really making their mark – and it’s not showcased a lot in TV and film,” Chavez said. “College is so expensive and anything we can contribute to help — people who wanna further their education we wanna do that.”

It’s called the Be Your Own Kind of Genius scholarship project, and though it is currently open to San Antonio-area students, she shared that she’d love to see it one day go statewide.

Landman star talks Corpus Christi connection, working with Coastal Bend native for red carpet looks

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