- Sylvester Stallone’s first major TV role stars him as a former Mafia boss in “Tulsa King.”
- Stallone describes the production process of “Tulsa King” as “unrelenting,” citing faster and more demanding schedules compared to film productions.
- The show is expanding with a spinoff series, “NOLA King,” featuring Samuel L. Jackson.
- Taylor Sheridan’s world-building in “Tulsa King” offers Stallone the opportunity to play himself within the character.
Stallone’s First Major Television Role: A New Chapter for the Action Star
Sylvester Stallone, known for his iconic roles in film franchises such as “Rocky” and “Rambo,” has ventured into a new chapter of his career with his first major television role. In the crime drama series Tulsa King, produced by Taylor Sheridan (known for works like “Sons of Anarchy”), Stallone portrays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a former Mafia boss who is released from prison after 25 years and seeks to rebuild his empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Unrelenting Schedule: A Breakdown
Stallone has candidly spoken about the challenges of working on “Tulsa King,” describing it as a relentless process. “TV is much harder, much harder, much faster,” he explains. “It’s unrelenting. And also it just battles your brain all over.” The rapid pace and constant changes in filming schedules make it particularly demanding compared to film productions.
According to Stallone, the timeline for making a season of “Tulsa King” is equivalent to the time spent on five Rocky movies. Each episode is shot in about 12 days, with each two-hour episode representing just two out of eight episodes in a season. This intense schedule leaves little room for rest and continuity, requiring actors to quickly adapt to different scenes and settings.
Playing Himself: A Fresh Perspective
The opportunity to play a gangster character in “Tulsa King” has allowed Stallone to explore new facets of his acting career. He mentions that Taylor Sheridan contacted him late at night with the concept, which involved a gangster being banned to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Stallone was intrigued by the idea and saw it as an opportunity to play himself within the character. “It had been done so brilliantly before, with Tony Soprano and Casino,” he notes. However, what sets “Tulsa King” apart is its focus on heart and humor, aspects that hadn’t been fully explored in long-running gangster characters.
Expanding the Universe: NOLA King
The success of “Tulsa King” has led to a spinoff series titled NOLA King, which will feature Samuel L. Jackson as he takes on a new role in New Orleans. The show is set to introduce Jackson’s character into the Tulsa storyline, further expanding Sheridan’s crime drama universe. This expansion not only enhances the overall narrative but also provides more opportunities for established actors like Stallone and new talents.
Final Thoughts
The journey of “Tulsa King” and its upcoming spinoff series signifies a significant shift in Sylvester Stallone’s career trajectory towards television. The show’s unrelenting pace, combined with the chance to play himself within the gangster narrative, offers unique challenges and rewards for both the actor and his fans.
