If you’ve spent any time on Paramount+ lately, you’ve probably noticed a blonde actress who seems to have completely mastered the "Taylor Sheridan vibe." That would be Michelle Randolph. Honestly, it’s rare to see someone go from relatively unknown roles to being the center of two massive television franchises in such a short window, but here we are.
Randolph has this weirdly perfect ability to play both a 1920s debutante and a modern-day Texas oil brat without making either feel like a caricature. She isn't just "the sister of that girl from The Bachelor" anymore (though, yeah, Cassie Randolph is her sister). She’s become a legitimate powerhouse in the Taylor Sheridan universe.
The Big Break: 1923 and the Dutton Legacy
Most people first really "saw" her as Elizabeth Strafford in 1923. It was a massive role. You’re talking about a show where she’s sharing scenes with literal legends like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. That’s a lot of pressure for anyone, let alone someone whose previous credits were mostly smaller indie films.
Elizabeth starts out as this somewhat naive fiancée to Jack Dutton. By the end of the second season—which just wrapped up in early 2025—she had gone through the ringer. She dealt with the loss of a child and the constant threat of the ranch wars. Randolph actually had to go to "Cowboy Camp" for this role. She’d never even sat on a horse before moving to Montana for filming. She’s gone on record saying they would ride from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day just to look like they belonged on a ranch. It paid off.
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Landman and the Pivot to Modern Drama
While 1923 was still airing, Sheridan threw her into Landman. This is where things get interesting for her career. In Landman, she plays Ainsley Norris, the 17-year-old daughter of Tommy Norris (played by Billy Bob Thornton). Ainsley is... a lot. She’s wild, she’s a bit self-absorbed, and she’s basically the polar opposite of the refined Elizabeth Strafford.
The show has been a monster hit. The Season 2 premiere in November 2025 reportedly pulled in over 9 million views in its first two days. It’s gritty, it’s about the West Texas oil industry, and it puts Randolph right in the middle of a cast that includes Demi Moore and Ali Larter. Watching her hold her own against Billy Bob Thornton is basically a masterclass in watching a rising star find her footing. Season 2 is wrapping up right now in January 2026, and the buzz is only getting louder.
Michelle Randolph Movies: From Horror to Slasher Royalty
Before the TV fame, Randolph was working the indie circuit. You might have caught her in:
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- The Resort (2021): A horror-thriller where she played Bree.
- The Throwback (2024): A comedy where she played Shea.
- 5 Years Apart (2020): A romantic drama.
- A Snow White Christmas (2018): One of her earliest leading roles.
But the big news? She’s officially entered the "Scream" universe. Scream 7 is hitting theaters on February 27, 2026. This is a huge pivot. She’s joining Neve Campbell and Isabel May in what is easily one of the most anticipated horror movies of the decade. There’s already a ton of speculation about whether she’s a victim, a survivor, or—the ultimate fan theory—the one behind the Ghostface mask.
Why the Industry is Betting on Her
It’s not just about the acting. Randolph actually graduated from Arizona State University in 2023 with a degree in Film and Media Studies. She’s spoken about wanting to understand the industry from the production side, not just the "talent" side. She even has producer credits on projects like Slacking Towards Bethlehem.
She’s also been making headlines lately for her personal life, specifically her relationship with Glen Powell. They’ve been spotted everywhere from Miami to the Golden Globes earlier this month. When you’re starring in the biggest shows on streaming and dating the biggest movie star in the world, the "It Girl" label is pretty much inevitable.
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What’s Next for Michelle Randolph?
If you want to keep up with her work, here is the immediate roadmap:
- Finish Landman Season 2: The finale airs on January 18, 2026. If you haven't started it, it's the perfect time to binge the whole thing on Paramount+.
- Watch Scream 7 in Theaters: Mark your calendar for February 27. It’s her first major franchise film, and the hype is real.
- Look for "Malibu": She’s reportedly in talks for a new subterranean horror thriller titled Malibu, directed by Tod Williams (the guy behind Paranormal Activity 2).
Michelle Randolph is clearly playing the long game. She’s moved from modeling to indies to the most watched shows on television. Whether she’s riding horses in 1923 or dodging Ghostface in 2026, she’s definitely the one to watch right now.