TULSA KING: Sly Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson are sharing the small screen
For the first time in their legendary careers, Sylvester Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson are sharing the small screen—and the result is electrifying Hollywood and TV fandoms alike. With Jackson confirmed to debut as a guest star in the highly anticipated third season of Tulsa King before headlining his own spinoff, NOLA King, fans are about to witness a pairing decades in the making.
A Dream Duo 40 Years in the Making
In what some are calling the “action event of the year,” Samuel L. Jackson joins Stallone’s Tulsa King as Russell Lee Washington Jr., an enigmatic force whose bond with Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi was first forged during a decade-long stint in federal prison. Despite both being action icons and cinematic titans—Stallone with his indelible marks as Rocky and Rambo, Jackson holding the title for highest-grossing cumulative box office actor in history (over $7 billion!)—the two have never appeared on screen together until now.
Why the Chemistry Works
Gravitas Meets Fire: Stallone’s trademark blend of mobster grit and world-weary wisdom pairs perfectly with Jackson’s explosive charisma, razor-sharp timing, and unpredictability.
Shared Roots, Different Legends: Both started from humble beginnings—Stallone, the “Italian Stallion” who fought Hollywood for the right to headline his own script; Jackson, who built an unmatched filmography from indie roles to Pulp Fiction to The Avengers.
Generational Influence: Together, they represent five decades of blockbuster dominance, Oscar nominations, and viral pop-culture moments. Their work ethic and reinvention have inspired actors and fans alike.
What Makes Them Magnetic on “Tulsa King”
Narrative Tension: Jackson’s Russell Lee Washington Jr. arrives in Tulsa on a mission—sent by the New York mob to take out Stallone’s Manfredi, only to become transfixed by what Dwight has built in Tulsa and find himself tempted by the possibility of reinvention and legacy.
On-Screen Presence: Early behind-the-scenes photos shared by Stallone show the two actors sharing drinks and cigars, radiating mutual respect and show-stealing intensity.
Setting Up the Future: Jackson’s performance will set the stage for NOLA King, where his character returns to New Orleans to reclaim control of his old turf, carrying lessons and scars from his run-in with Stallone’s Manfredi.
Industry and Fan Reactions: “A Gift to the Series”
Garrett Hedlund, fellow Tulsa King star, summed up the excitement: “Samuel L. Jackson is a gift to the series. He and Sly radiate as men who are absolutely genuine”. The buzz has left both fandoms eager, with social media celebrating the unprecedented matchup and TV critics calling it a “crossover event” that could define the next chapter of prestige crime TV.
Why This Duo Matters
Unpredictable: Despite their decades in the business, this is their first collaboration—a fact even Stallone remarked on (“Finally got to work with the great Samuel L. Jackson on Tulsa King. It was a great day!”).
Freshness and Legacy: In an age where franchises dominate, these two prove that genuine star power and chemistry can still create must-see TV moments.
With Tulsa King Season 3 on the horizon and NOLA King preparing to launch a new corner of Taylor Sheridan’s crime universe, the Stallone-Jackson duo isn’t just newsworthy—it’s historic.
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