Bobbi Salvör Menuez Joins Landman with a Unique Role
Bobbi Salvör Menuez has quickly become a standout presence on the Paramount+ hit series Landman, playing Paigyn Meester, a non-binary roommate of Ainsley in the final episodes of Season 2. The actor admitted they were initially “barely familiar” with the Taylor Sheridan universe but were excited to bring a new perspective and representation to the show.
“I’d seen posters, I’d seen flyers, but I hadn’t actually watched the show before,” Menuez shared. “I didn’t fully grasp its impact until agents and colleagues started congratulating me. Then I dove into the first season to catch up and get ready for what this really is.”
A Character That Sparks Conversation
Paigyn Meester, the ferret-loving, sports medicine major, made an impression immediately. Some viewers initially saw the character as a provocative depiction of a non-binary student, particularly with their insistence on pronouns and personal boundaries. Yet, the finale shows a more layered side of Paigyn, as they save Ainsley from an injury and are defended by their new friend against anti-LGBTQ bullies.
“Queer people exist and will keep existing,” Menuez said. “Sometimes they might be cranky or guarded when asked about pronouns, but that’s part of reality. There’s more to the story than the first impression.”
Preparing for the Role
Menuez described how they filmed the audition amid a busy weekend in New York, juggling art projects and a family event. “I had to film the audition in a car parked on the street,” they recalled. Surprisingly, just a few weeks later, they got the call to take the role and even cut their hair for the character.
Despite their limited familiarity with the show, Menuez quickly connected with Taylor Sheridan and director Stephen Kay to understand the character and their evolving relationship with Ainsley.
Handling Audience Reactions
Menuez acknowledged that the role would provoke strong reactions, both positive and negative. “I knew there would be different responses from all sides of the spectrum,” they said. “I don’t read the comments or reviews; my job is to perform the character authentically and in service of the story and the people I’m working with.”
The actor relies on trusted sources to keep them updated on audience feedback without getting drawn into the often polarized online discussion.
Season 3 Hopes
Looking ahead, Menuez expressed a strong desire to return for Season 3. “I love seeing the pivot in the finale where the characters’ humanity becomes clear,” they said. “The first interaction isn’t the only truth of a person or character, and I hope to explore more of Paigyn’s story in the next season.”
Filming Experience in Texas
Filming took place in Fort Worth, Texas, which Menuez described as a culture shock compared to their New York upbringing. “I went to a rodeo for the first time—it’s like theater, full of performance and unpredictability,” they said. The actor enjoyed discovering local culture and found inspiration in the unique experiences Texas offered during filming.
Working With a Ferret
One memorable element of filming was working with a ferret. Menuez found the animal’s unpredictable energy both challenging and fun, comparing it to working with children. “It makes the interaction feel real, and it adds a layer of spontaneity to the performance,” they explained.
Career Highlights
Bobbi Salvör Menuez has a diverse background in film and TV. Previous roles include appearances in Girls, Transparent, Euphoria, Under the Silver Lake, Nocturnal Animals, and My Animal. They have also worked in theater, including an experimental reinterpretation of Sam Shepard’s True West.
Menuez described their experience working with first-time directors and large productions alike, noting the value of collaboration and creative freedom in shaping authentic performances.
A New Era of LGBTQ Representation
The introduction of Paigyn in Landman highlights the growing visibility of non-binary and LGBTQ characters in mainstream media. Menuez emphasized the importance of representing queer experiences authentically while allowing for complexity and growth.
“This might not be what some viewers expected, but it reflects real-life experiences,” they said. “There’s more to queer lives than the first interaction or stereotype, and I hope Paigyn’s story continues to evolve in Season 3.”
Bobbi Salvör Menuez has made a bold and memorable debut on Landman, bringing nuance and visibility to a non-binary character. Their approach—balancing authenticity, respect for the story, and a willingness to embrace challenging roles—marks an important step for representation in television. Fans of the show eagerly await Season 3 to see where Paigyn’s story will go next.
