Tulsa King Star Jay Will on His Role, Chemistry with Sly Stallone, and the Future of the Show
As Tulsa King powers into its second season on Paramount+, fans are not only captivated by Sylvester Stallone’s compelling portrayal of Dwight "The General" Manfredi but also by breakout star Jay Will’s dynamic role as Tyson. In a revealing interview with Screen Rant, Jay Will shares his unique experience working alongside the legendary Stallone and what fans can expect from their evolving partnership in upcoming seasons.
From Driver to Right-Hand Man: The Rise of Tyson
Jay Will’s character Tyson begins as Dwight’s driver but quickly becomes his closest confidant and lieutenant in the Tulsa crime world. The role’s nuance and depth span ambition, loyalty, and complex family dynamics, reflecting real challenges and growth as Tyson navigates this unconventional mafia landscape.
Jay Will describes the chemistry with Stallone as electrifying yet grounded in mutual respect. “Sly gave it an atmosphere of, ‘Just make sure you do your work so you ain’t got to worry about it when it's time to do the work,’” Will recalls. The dynamic between Tyson and Dwight is the emotional core of Tulsa King, anchoring its gritty storytelling with authenticity and powerful mentorship moments.
Mentorship, Legacy, and Complex Relationships
Tyson’s relationship with Dwight and other paternal figures like Michael Beach’s character explores themes of identity, loyalty, and evolution. Jay Will highlights the tension and love in these connections, stating, “I think everybody got something to learn from each other.” The show deftly intertwines personal struggles with the high stakes of crime family politics, deepening audience investment.
High-Octane Action & Jay Will’s Commitment
Jay Will’s passion for authenticity shines through in his commitment to performing his own stunts and immersing himself fully in the role. His athletic background fuels intense fight scenes and physical performances, raising the bar for action on the series. Despite producers’ concerns for his safety during explosive scenes, Will’s hunger for raw, immersive acting is evident.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Stallone and Will in Tulsa King
With Season 2 expanding the scope and ambition of Ward’s Tulsa empire, the partnership between Stallone and Will is set to deepen and evolve. The show teases exciting developments for Tyson, including his navigation of his dual identity within the crime family and the broader mob world. Jay Will’s vision includes hopes for Tyson’s own dynasty and potentially leading spin-offs or larger roles within the franchise.
For Stallone, the series cements a new frontier in his career, blending traditional star power with modern serialized storytelling. Together, the Stallone-Will duo embodies the fusion of veteran gravitas and fresh energy driving Tulsa King’s success.
Why Tulsa King Is More Than Just Crime Drama
Beyond the crime and action, Tulsa King resonates due to its complex characters, real emotional stakes, and unvarnished look at family—both blood and chosen. Jay Will's insight offers a glimpse into a series that continues to break molds and surprise audiences by blending hard-hitting drama with heartfelt human connections.
In Summary:
The future of Tulsa King looks bright with Sylvester Stallone’s commanding presence and Jay Will’s rising star power. Their on-screen alliance and off-screen mentorship promise richer storytelling, deeper character arcs, and thrilling developments for the seasons ahead. For fans of gripping drama with heart, this duo is one to watch.
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