Academy Award-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson will headline “NOLA King,” a new television crime drama set within Taylor Sheridan’s ever-growing series landscape, joining fellow stars like Sylvester Stallone in this dynamic TV universe. The announcement places the focus keyword, Samuel L. Jackson to star in NOLA King series, front and center as the series prepares to unfold in New Orleans, with Jackson set to portray Russell Lee Washington Jr., a character taking command of a crime empire in the city.
Samuel L. Jackson Joins the Sheridan Crime Series Universe
Samuel L. Jackson’s addition to Taylor Sheridan’s roster underscores the ongoing expansion of high-profile acting talent flocking to original series from the famed showrunner and producer. Sheridan, known for his work on “Yellowstone,” “1883,” and “Mayor of Kingstown,” has secured Jackson for the lead in “NOLA King,” a spin-off derived from the popular Paramount+ crime series “Tulsa King.” In the new series, Jackson’s character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., relocates to New Orleans with the intention of rising to the top of the city’s criminal hierarchy.
The concept for “NOLA King” reportedly originated with Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, who aimed to replicate the success of the “Yellowstone” franchise’s multiple spin-offs by expanding the “Tulsa King” storyline. As with Sheridan’s prior projects, “NOLA King” is expected to blend intense drama with rich character development. The production schedule indicates that filming could commence by February of next year, with Jackson preparing to shoot his initial cross-over scenes for “Tulsa King” as early as July.
Dave Erickson, the head writer and prior showrunner for “Tulsa King,” will oversee “NOLA King” as it moves into production, although he remains engaged with Sheridan’s other drama, “Mayor of Kingstown,” which has seen Jeremy Renner in a leading role.
The Storyline and Roots of “Tulsa King”
The original “Tulsa King,” starring Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, serves as the narrative launchpad for “NOLA King.” “Tulsa King” follows Dwight, a New York mafia leader released from prison after 25 years who is relegated by his mob family to Oklahoma as punishment. Contesting his exile, Dwight assembles a group of unlikely allies in Tulsa, forging a new underworld operation and rebuilding his power base far from his East Coast roots. The series has met with notable viewership success, including a record-breaking 21.1 million global streaming viewers for its season two debut on Paramount+.
Production for “Tulsa King” season three has been underway in Atlanta and Oklahoma for several months, with Jackson’s participation anticipated to help bridge the two series and set the stage for “NOLA King.” The move signals an intentional crossover, further cementing Sheridan’s interconnected television universe.
Other Prominent Projects in Samuel L. Jackson’s Career
Samuel L. Jackson’s career remains one of the most active in Hollywood. Among his latest roles, he will portray Valentine, a freedom fighter in “Afterburn,” a post-apocalyptic adventure adapted from the Red 5 Comics graphic novel by Scott Chitwood, Paul Ens, and artist Wayne Nichols. The story unfolds a decade after a solar flare has rendered most modern technology obsolete, and features Dave Bautista as Jake, a treasure hunter who joins forces with Drea and Jackson’s character to retrieve the Mona Lisa before it falls into a warlord’s hands. Despite the intriguing premise and ensemble, “Afterburn” is yet to secure a release date.
Jackson is also part of a high-profile cast for a secretive J.J. Abrams event film, which reportedly includes Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, and Emma Mackey. Additionally, Jackson will star as the President of the United States in Renny Harlin’s thriller “The Beast,” confronting a coup with the aid of the presidential vehicle’s advanced defenses.
The actor’s recent television work spans lending his voice to the Marvel animated series “What If…?” as Nick Fury, and participating in
“Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.”
He continues to play a significant role in current entertainment discussions and projects.
Last year, the Guinness Book of World Records honored Jackson as the highest-grossing box office actor of all time, with his cumulative film credits, including major roles in “Avengers,” “Pulp Fiction” (for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor), and “Jurassic Park,” exceeding $7 billion in global grosses. Jackson has amassed more than 150 film credits across his storied career.
Setting the Stage for “NOLA King” Release
Although there is palpable anticipation surrounding Samuel L. Jackson’s upcoming involvement in “NOLA King,” the timeline for the new show remains conservative. Jackson must first complete his role in “Tulsa King,” which will pave the way for the next chapter set in New Orleans. With principal filming on “NOLA King” tentatively set for early next year, viewers may not see the series premiere until late in 2026. As both sets and talent align, further announcements are anticipated, offering additional insight into the evolving cast and plot developments.
Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Portfolio of Television Dramas
“NOLA King” joins an impressive lineup of projects crafted by Taylor Sheridan, whose credits also include the hit series “Yellowstone” (2018), its prequel “1883” (2021), the gritty city drama “Mayor of Kingstown” (2021), and “Tulsa King” (2022). Sheridan’s continuing expansion comprises “1923” (2022), the historical saga “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” (2023), “Lioness” (2023), and the anticipated oil-industry drama “Landman” (2024). Each project broadens Sheridan’s reputation as a creator of interconnected, character-driven storytelling within the television landscape.
As Samuel L. Jackson steps into the role of Russell Lee Washington Jr. for “NOLA King,” both fans of the actor and Taylor Sheridan’s universe can anticipate a new chapter in television crime drama. With production poised to begin soon and a roster of returning and new collaborators, the series aims to build on the momentum of its predecessors, promising both intense storytelling and further expansion of a popular TV universe.
