Samuel L. Jackson is making a major move into Taylor Sheridan’s TV universe, and it’s about to get seriously exciting.
You know Jackson — the legendary actor who’s basically a living icon at this point, with a career spanning decades, countless unforgettable roles, and even an Honorary Oscar to his name. Now, he’s stepping into the crime drama world created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind hits like Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and Tulsa King. Sources close to the project tell Deadline that Jackson is set to headline a brand-new Paramount+ series called NOLA King. It’s shaping up to be a spinoff from the wildly popular Tulsa King — a show that’s been turning heads and breaking streaming records.
The Big Picture: What’s NOLA King All About?
While details are still emerging, here’s what insiders have shared: Samuel L. Jackson will play Russell Lee Washington Jr., a criminal mastermind with ties to the underworld — kind of like Sylvester Stallone’s character Dwight “The General” Manfredi in Tulsa King. But here’s the twist: Jackson’s character will first cross paths with Stallone’s in Tulsa before making his own mark down in New Orleans, taking control of the city’s complex criminal landscape.
This is no small thing — NOLA King promises to expand Sheridan’s gritty crime universe, much like how Yellowstone has spawned multiple hit spinoffs. The idea apparently came from Chris McCarthy, who’s the President and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, aiming to build out the Tulsa King world into something even bigger. It’s a clever move, especially considering how well Sheridan’s projects perform in the streaming wars.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Role and Timeline
Jackson will pop up in several episodes of Tulsa King Season 3 before taking the lead in NOLA King. Season 3’s production is already in full swing across Atlanta and Oklahoma, and Jackson’s filming for Tulsa King is expected to kick off this July. Then, NOLA King is scheduled to start production early next year, around February.
Dave Erickson, known for his work on Mayor of Kingstown, is writing and running NOLA King. He’s not new to this universe — he’s currently the showrunner for Tulsa King Season 3 as well. Plus, Taylor Sheridan and David C. Glasser from 101 Studios are executive producers, which means the show’s creative roots are solid and deeply connected to Sheridan’s overall vision.
Why This Matters: The Power of the Sheridan Universe
Taylor Sheridan’s TV empire has become a powerhouse. Shows like Yellowstone have turned into cultural phenomena, and Tulsa King has quickly carved out a devoted fanbase. For example, the Season 2 premiere of Tulsa King smashed Paramount+ records, pulling in 21.1 million global streams — a massive number that signals huge demand. Alongside Landman and Lioness, two other Sheridan projects, it ranked in the Top 10 U.S. streaming originals in Q4. This was only the second time ever that a platform other than Netflix had three shows in the top 10 since Nielsen started tracking SVOD platforms in 2017.
This success isn’t just numbers on a screen; it shows the magnetic pull of Sheridan’s storytelling and the strong ensemble of stars he attracts.
A Star-Studded Sheridan Roster
Samuel L. Jackson is joining an already incredible lineup of A-list actors who have become part of the Sheridan TV universe:
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Kevin Costner leads Yellowstone, bringing gravitas and a rugged charisma that’s helped the show become a cultural staple.
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Jeremy Renner, another Marvel alum like Jackson, stars in Mayor of Kingstown, blending intense drama with powerful performances.
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Then there’s Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren headlining 1923, bringing classic Hollywood prestige to Sheridan’s modern western saga.
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Sylvester Stallone is the face of Tulsa King, blending old-school mobster vibes with fresh storytelling.
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Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña star in Lioness, adding star power and emotional depth.
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Billy Bob Thornton headlines Landman.
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And David Oyelowo leads Bass Reeves, expanding Sheridan’s universe further into rich historical narratives.
It’s like a Hollywood who’s who, all converging in Sheridan’s sprawling TV empire.
A Quick Refresher: What Is Tulsa King?
If you’re not caught up yet, Tulsa King centers on Dwight Manfredi (played by Stallone), a New York mafia capo who gets released from prison after 25 years. But instead of returning to his old territory, he’s basically exiled by his boss and forced to set up shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma — a place he barely knows and that might as well be another planet. The show follows Dwight as he builds a new crew from a mix of unlikely characters, all to establish a fresh criminal empire in unfamiliar territory.
The story’s mix of crime drama, character depth, and a touch of humor has resonated with viewers, making it one of the most watched shows on Paramount+.
Why Samuel L. Jackson’s Entry is Huge
Jackson’s involvement doesn’t just bring star power; it brings a new dynamic to the Tulsa King narrative. Known widely for his role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Jackson has balanced blockbuster action with intense, layered performances in films like Pulp Fiction (for which he earned an Oscar nomination). His recent TV stint in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist on Peacock showed he’s just as compelling on the small screen.
His character’s connection to the criminal world and the inevitable clash with Stallone’s Dwight sets the stage for gripping drama and compelling storytelling. The fact that Jackson is also executive producing NOLA King signals his deep involvement in shaping the series, not just starring in it.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Fans of Sheridan’s work can look forward to a gritty, high-stakes narrative set in New Orleans — a city known for its vibrant culture, complex history, and, yes, a rich backdrop for crime drama. Expect NOLA King to deliver Sheridan’s signature mix of intense character-driven drama, stunning cinematography, and layered storytelling.
Jackson’s character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., will bring a new flavor to the franchise, potentially challenging Dwight’s turf and influence in Tulsa before carving out his own kingdom in the Big Easy. With Dave Erickson at the helm, who has proven his storytelling chops across Sheridan’s projects, the show is poised to expand the Tulsa King world in exciting ways.
Final Thoughts
With Samuel L. Jackson joining the fold, NOLA King could become one of the most anticipated new crime dramas on streaming. This isn’t just another spinoff; it’s a powerful extension of a universe that’s rapidly becoming a staple for viewers craving top-tier storytelling and star-studded casts. And with production ramping up soon, it won’t be long before we see Jackson bring his legendary intensity to the screen — battling old allies, making new moves, and claiming his place in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding TV kingdom.
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