Sylvester Stallone reveals that Samuel L. Jackson pushed hard to join Tulsa King Season 3. The actor brings fierce intensity as hitman Russell Lee Washington Jr., setting up the upcoming Nola King spinoff. Here’s how Jackson’s arrival transforms the season.
Sylvester Stallone Calls Samuel L. Jackson the “Aggressor” Behind Tulsa King Role — Inside Their Powerful On-Screen Showdown
Sylvester Stallone is opening up about Samuel L. Jackson’s explosive entrance into Tulsa King—and according to Stallone, the credit for the casting twist doesn’t belong to him. Instead, he says Jackson passionately pushed for the part, bringing his trademark intensity to the hit Paramount+ crime drama.
Season 3 introduced Jackson in a high-stakes role that immediately shifted the energy of the show. And as Stallone explains, the legendary actor didn’t just join the series. He came in swinging.
Jackson Wanted In — Badly
While many fans assumed Stallone had recruited Jackson for his major Season 3 debut, the Rocky star quickly set the record straight.
“He was the aggressor. He wanted to do it so badly,” Stallone shared in a recent interview with Us Weekly. “He went to the producer. The producer came to me.”
Read also… Bryan Adams, The Chicks & Ronnie Wood Stun Guests With an “Unreal” Backyard Wedding Concert
According to Stallone, Jackson made it clear he wasn’t looking for a casual cameo. He wanted a role with real teeth—something that would let him go face-to-face with Stallone in a powerful on-screen showdown.
That determination ultimately landed Jackson the part of Russell Lee Washington Jr., a feared hitman who appears in the season’s penultimate episode, “Dead Weight.” The character arrives with a mission from Quiet Ray (James Russo): travel to Tulsa and kill Dwight Manfredi, Stallone’s character.
From the moment Jackson stepped on set, Stallone said his presence was unmistakable.
“He Knows He’s the Man” — Stallone on Jackson’s Swagger
Stallone spoke openly about the energy Jackson brought to Tulsa King, describing him as both intimidating and inspiring to work with.
“He knows he’s got it. He knows he’s the man,” Stallone said. “He has a certain swagger.”
That confidence transformed their scenes together into what Stallone called a cinematic showdown.
“I feel like, here it comes, high noon. It’s gonna be a gunfight between us two. He brings out the best.”
The veteran actor says Jackson’s approach pushed the entire cast to elevate their performances. Working with someone of Jackson’s caliber, he explained, comes with pressure—but the good kind.
“Actors love to be challenged,” Stallone said. “At first, there may be a little intimidation, but once you get cooking, after the first punch is thrown, now you’re in it.”
For fans, the addition of Jackson is more than a fun cameo. It marks the beginning of a new direction for the Sheridan universe—and a new chapter for Jackson’s character.
The Arrival of Russell Lee Washington Jr.
Jackson’s debut episode, released November 16, introduces Russell as a complex figure—ruthless, but with a rich history that quickly caught the attention of audiences. His assignment to kill the “General,” Dwight Manfredi, sets the stage for one of the most anticipated confrontations of the season.
Not only does Jackson’s presence raise the stakes in Season 3, but it also provides the foundation for the character’s next step: his own spinoff series.
A New Spinoff: Nola King
In June, Paramount+ officially announced Nola King, a new series centered on Jackson’s character. Set in New Orleans, the show follows Russell as he returns home after 42 years.
According to the logline, the hitman’s journey involves reconnecting with family, reclaiming his old territory, and confronting new enemies—from the criminal underworld to law enforcement.
With Taylor Sheridan expanding his TV universe—and consistently delivering hit after hit—Nola King is already generating huge excitement.
Jackson himself has shared his enthusiasm about being part of Sheridan’s world. In a conversation with Collider, he said:
“I’m really happy to join this universe. At least 15 of those shows are on my watchlist all the time.”
He also revealed that he was a Tulsa King fan long before he ever stepped into the role.
Why Jackson’s Casting Matters
The pairing of Stallone and Jackson is a major win for Tulsa King. These are two of Hollywood’s most iconic and charismatic stars, each with decades of experience commanding the screen.
Their on-screen dynamic brings:
- Fresh intensity to the crime drama
- A high-stakes antagonist for Stallone’s character
- Crossover potential connecting Tulsa King with Nola King
- Expanded world-building for the Sheridan universe
For Stallone, sharing the frame with Jackson clearly meant more than another acting gig—it was a challenge that reignited his competitive spark.
For Jackson, the role represents a bold new chapter as he steps into a gritty, complex crime world filled with layered storytelling.
A Powerful Collaboration Fans Didn’t Expect
The surprise is not that Jackson delivered a powerhouse performance. The surprise is that he fought so hard to be part of the show.
And Stallone couldn’t be more thrilled.
“He brings out the best,” Stallone said, describing their scenes like an old-school Western showdown—filled with tension, rivalry, and raw acting power.
With Jackson’s character now shaping the future of both Tulsa King and the upcoming Nola King, fans can expect even more electrifying storytelling, more sharp-edged drama, and more heavyweight performances from two of Hollywood’s finest.
As the Sheridan universe continues to grow, one thing is clear: Samuel L. Jackson isn’t just visiting. He’s here to dominate.
