Sylvester Stallone leads Tulsa King crime series, returning to the small screen to portray a compelling new antihero in Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed drama, while an ensemble of talented actors brings fresh energy to the story. The latest season features memorable performances from Garrett Hedlund, Brittany Snow, Stephen Lang, and Hamish Linklater, each contributing to the unique dynamic of the show. Stallone’s involvement, along with those of established stars and promising newcomers, has helped Tulsa King become a red-hot property, with further seasons and a spin-off led by Samuel L. Jackson in development.
Season after season, Tulsa King continues to attract attention for its bold storytelling and standout performances. Garrett Hedlund, known for his role in Tron: Legacy, has drawn particular praise for portraying a singing cowboy, infusing his character with authentic grit. In a recent conversation with MovieWeb, Hedlund spoke about his success on Taylor Sheridan’s hit series and the collaborative environment fostered by both Sheridan and Stallone. Sheridan, acclaimed for unique series like The Last Cowboy, brings his signature style and intensity to the production, shaping Tulsa King into one of the most talked-about shows on TV.
Garrett Hedlund Recounts the Decision to Join Tulsa King
Garrett Hedlund’s path to joining Tulsa King was influenced by longstanding relationships and the chance for creative synergy. Hedlund revealed that his connection with Sylvester Stallone dates back to his teenage years, and he had frequently encountered Taylor Sheridan before the project finally aligned at the right moment.
“I jumped on Tulsa King because I’d known Sly since I was 18, and I’d been crossing paths a lot with Taylor Sheridan, and the timing just wasn’t working out for us — and so when they came to me with Tulsa, I just thought I’d really f***ing enjoy it, you know, going mano a mano with Sly,”
Hedlund told MovieWeb. “And it’s worked out.” —Garrett Hedlund, Actor
With the opportunity to work alongside recognized actors and take on fresh challenges, Hedlund embraced Tulsa King, stepping into a new world of serialized television. The collaborative energy on set and the prospect of going “mano a mano” with Stallone proved to be an irresistible draw. As the series gained momentum, Hedlund’s role expanded, further cementing his presence in the growing universe of Sheridan’s television projects.
Adapting to the Demands and Rhythm of Television
Although Hedlund had built his career primarily through film, adapting to the distinct pacing and development style of a television series was a new frontier. The process of evolving a character across multiple episodes, especially in a series like Tulsa King that introduces and develops a range of personalities, presented unique creative challenges and opportunities.
“I wasn’t so familiar with TV, of the first season introducing all these characters and branching off and doing, you know, much more. I was familiar with the style: You get in your stories, there in front of you, you know what’s going to happen; you understand what your trajectory is through this journey, and that’s what you have to play with. So there’s a lot of ambiguity, kind of day-to-day on a series. But… I just like following my instinct and intuitions, and doing what I see fit, kind of in the moment.”
—Garrett Hedlund, Actor
This willingness to follow instinct and adapt in real-time helped Hedlund find his stride in the television landscape. While the ambiguity of day-to-day series work can be challenging, it also allows space for an actor’s creative process to flourish. By relying on intuition, Hedlund has contributed a level of authenticity and spontaneity to Tulsa King, deepening the impact of his performance with each new season.
Personal Growth Informs a Gritty New Role in Barron’s Cove
Beyond Tulsa King, Hedlund’s latest project, Barron’s Cove, sees him transitioning to lead a gritty crime thriller. In the recently released film, he plays Caleb, a father driven to desperate lengths in search of justice for his fractured family. Hedlund, who became a parent before taking on the role, credits his real-life experiences with informing this latest performance.
“It was the first script that had come across my way since I was a father, you know, and something that really made me question how far I would go, and how far is too far when you feel you’re right,”
said Hedlund.
“In this particular story, Caleb’s trying to find the truth and trying to find answers. And then, there’s that unique question of, you know, ‘Where’s the point where the truth becomes much more dangerous than a lie?’ And so that was really intriguing. You know, I’ve been doing this for a bit. I just like to do projects that, for whatever reason, mean something to me. I like to do projects that heal people in a way, make people feel less alone in their environments, give people who had upbringings like myself the capability to be able to escape their reality once in a while and drift away in this landscape of a film and a story that hopefully captivates them. So anything that lends itself to that, I’m all for.”
—Garrett Hedlund, Actor
The plot of Barron’s Cove, available now from Well Go USA in theaters and on demand, explores the complexities of truth, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Hedlund’s evolving perspective as a father enabled him to engage deeply with these themes, striving to deliver a performance that resonates and connects with viewers facing similar struggles. The film’s cast, including Stephen Lang as Benji, Brittany Snow as Jackie, and Hamish Linklater as Lyle, brings additional depth and tension to the drama alongside Hedlund’s passionate portrayal.
The Expanding Legacy of Tulsa King and Its Ensemble
Tulsa King, driven by Sylvester Stallone’s powerful lead and Taylor Sheridan’s distinctive vision, continues to be a significant entry in the landscape of contemporary crime dramas. The ongoing evolution of the series, including its upcoming spin-off starring Samuel L. Jackson, signals its enduring influence and expanding appeal. Actors like Garrett Hedlund, whose career spans both film and television, find new creative horizons and opportunities for growth amid these ambitious projects.
For viewers hungry for stories of ambition, rivalry, and redemption, Tulsa King delivers complex characters grappling with loyalty and consequence. The show’s success ensures Stallone and his fellow cast members will remain central figures in television’s biggest crime narratives for the foreseeable future, inviting audiences to follow their journeys from one intense episode to the next.
