Newsmakers

Samuel L. Jackson to Lead Tulsa King Spin-Off in Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Crime Universe

Samuel L. Jackson is set to join the Taylor Sheridan television universe, headlining a new spin-off of the hit series Tulsa King. The project, currently in pre-production, is expected to expand the gritty criminal world first introduced in Sheridan’s Paramount+ drama starring Sylvester Stallone.

In Tulsa King, Stallone plays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York mob capo exiled to Oklahoma to rebuild his influence. The new spin-off will reportedly move the action beyond Tulsa’s borders while maintaining the show’s trademark blend of organized crime drama, character-driven storytelling, and dark humor. Jackson will play the lead in the untitled series, portraying a character described as both a rival and reluctant ally to Manfredi’s growing empire.

Set in the same timeline as the original, the spin-off is expected to focus on Jackson’s character navigating his own criminal network in a different part of the country. Rather than a straight antagonist, he will be written as a complex figure with his own moral code—someone equally capable of cutting a deal or delivering a deadly blow. Insiders suggest the tone will be more sprawling and unpredictable than the original series, introducing new factions, expanded territories, and a broader view of the criminal landscape Sheridan has created.

The decision to cast Jackson signals an ambition to deepen and diversify the Tulsa King narrative. Known for his commanding presence and razor-sharp delivery, Jackson brings decades of screen experience in both blockbuster franchises and acclaimed dramas. His ability to infuse a role with intensity, humor, and unpredictability makes him a natural fit for Sheridan’s brand of storytelling, which thrives on layered characters and moral ambiguity.

Plot details remain under wraps, but early descriptions paint the spin-off as a cross-country expansion of the Tulsa King universe. Where the original leaned into the fish-out-of-water story of a New York gangster adapting to life in Oklahoma, the spin-off will reportedly explore the tensions between old-school organized crime and newer, more decentralized criminal enterprises. Jackson’s character is said to straddle those worlds, acting as a bridge between tradition and innovation in the underworld.

Sheridan’s universe, which already includes Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, and Special Ops: Lioness, has proven adept at spawning interconnected stories that can stand on their own. This spin-off is expected to follow that same model, making it accessible to new viewers while rewarding those familiar with Tulsa King. Though there’s no official word yet on whether Stallone will appear, it is likely the two leads will cross paths in some capacity, creating a marquee moment for the franchise.

Production is scheduled to begin later this year, with filming locations rumored to span multiple states, signaling a more expansive scope than the original series. The creative team is said to be aiming for a tone that blends crime drama with a touch of frontier grit, leaning into Sheridan’s signature ability to capture the tension between modern ambition and the rugged ethos of America’s heartland.

For Jackson, the role marks a return to television in a major way. While he has appeared in numerous limited series and high-profile streaming projects in recent years, this will be his first time anchoring an ongoing scripted drama tied to a major franchise. His casting is expected to attract both longtime fans and viewers drawn to Sheridan’s brand of elevated, character-rich drama.

The Tulsa King spin-off joins an already crowded slate for Paramount+, but its combination of a proven universe, a beloved new lead, and the promise of a fresh criminal frontier could make it one of the platform’s most anticipated releases. With Sheridan’s track record of turning character-driven crime stories into appointment viewing, and Jackson’s unmatched screen presence, the stage is set for a series that could match—and possibly exceed—the success of its parent show.

A premiere date has yet to be announced, but anticipation is already building. Fans of Tulsa King, Sheridan’s wider television universe, and Samuel L. Jackson’s storied career may soon have a new reason to clear their schedules.

Published by Tandy Culpepper

Tandy Culpepper is a veteran broadcast television, radio, and online journalist. He has reported extensively for multiple outlets including CNN Radio, CNN.com, People.com, He was senior correspondent for CNN's internationally-syndicated television news service, Turner Entertainment Report.

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