Hollywood Icon Sylvester Stallone, renowned for his tough-guy roles in films like Rocky and Rambo, has admitted to feeling a wave of apprehension when he learned that Samuel L. Jackson, a powerhouse with over 150 film credits, would join him in the third season of Paramount+’s hit crime drama Tulsa King. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, premiered its latest 10-episode season on September 21, 2025, with Stallone starring as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York mobster rebuilding his empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Stallone’s candid revelation about his nerves, shared in an exclusive interview with People magazine, offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics between two cinematic titans, whose on-set rapport has now sparked talk of a potential buddy spin-off. Stallone likened Jackson’s casting to a high-stakes boxing match, confessing, “When I heard that was gonna happen, I went, ‘Oh, this is gonna be a fist fight. This is gonna be a battle... Like two boxers in a ring, and who is gonna throw the first punch? So you’re getting nervous because you’re dealing with serious competition.”
The 79-year-old actor’s initial anxiety stemmed from Jackson’s formidable presence, known for iconic roles in Pulp Fiction and as Marvel’s Nick Fury. Remarkably, the two had lived just 100 yards apart in Los Angeles for nearly three decades, yet their paths crossed only at glitzy events like Planet Hollywood openings, making their first on-screen collaboration a highly anticipated clash of titans.
The tension dissolved the moment Jackson arrived on set, greeting Stallone with a warm, “Hey, dude brother,” instantly forging a bond that transcended their competitive concerns. “But now we’re good... Now we’re flowing... We could do a show called Tulsa King and Buddy. We just worked that well together,” Stallone enthused, hinting at the seamless chemistry that defines their scenes. In Season 3, Jackson plays Russell Lee Washington Jr., a charismatic ex-con whose complex dynamic with Manfredi—initially tasked with eliminating him but choosing alliance—adds a volatile edge to the narrative.
Directed by acclaimed filmmakers like Allen Coulter and Guy Ferland, the season also features Martin Starr as tech-whiz Lawrence, Jay Will as loyal ally Tyson, and Frank Grillo as rival mobster Bill Bevilaqua, enriching the show’s gritty ensemble.
Also Read: Spider-Man Swings Back to India: All Films Set for Epic Theatrical Re-Release!
Since its debut in 2022, Tulsa King has captivated audiences with its blend of mafia drama and Sheridan’s signature sharp dialogue, with Season 2 in 2024 cementing its streaming success. Season 3 escalates the stakes, with Manfredi facing a gut-wrenching family crisis that Stallone teases as “the worst thing that can possibly happen to a parent,” pushing his character to the brink of surrender or war.
The addition of Jackson, whose late-season appearance sets up a potential NOLA King spin-off, has amplified fan excitement, with social media abuzz about their electric interplay. Stallone’s real-life daughter, Scarlet Stallone, also reprises her role as ranch hand Spencer, adding a personal layer to the production, with the actor joking that working under him was her ultimate test of resilience.
With Paramount+ already greenlighting a fourth season, Tulsa King continues to ride high, blending high-octane action with heartfelt moments. Stallone’s upcoming memoir, The Steps, set for release on May前提
System: May 5, 2026, may shed further light on this Hollywood bromance, but for now, the show’s weekly Sunday episodes offer a front-row seat to Stallone and Jackson’s dynamic partnership. As the season unfolds, their unlikely friendship—forged through shared scenes rather than punches—promises to elevate Tulsa King into a must-watch cultural phenomenon, proving that even the toughest stars can find harmony in the ring.
Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor Calls Bhansali His Cinematic Guru as Love & War Brings Stars Together