The Samuel L Jackson Tulsa King spinoff, known as NOLA King, is experiencing a significant challenge as its showrunner Dave Erickson has left the project before production began. Announced in June 2024, NOLA King was intended as a Paramount+ spinoff from the Sylvester Stallone-led crime drama Tulsa King, with Samuel L. Jackson guest-starring in several episodes of Tulsa King’s upcoming third season. This departure complicates the spinoff’s path forward, as it was meant to be directly linked to Tulsa King season 3.
Impact of Dave Erickson’s Exit on NOLA King’s Progress
Dave Erickson’s exit from NOLA King reportedly stems from a scheduling conflict, putting the spinoff’s future uncertain. Erickson, who is also serving as showrunner for Tulsa King season 3 where Samuel L. Jackson’s character will debut, holds an intimate understanding of both the original series and NOLA King. His departure raises concerns about the continuity and creative leadership of the new show.
Erickson additionally leads Mayor of Kingstown, another crime drama in the Taylor Sheridan universe, which finished filming its fourth season in June, coinciding with the recent completion of Tulsa King’s filming. Balancing these commitments may have contributed to his decision to step away from NOLA King. Taylor Sheridan remains executive producer of the spinoff alongside David C. Glasser from 101 Studios, both continuing to oversee the creative development while a replacement showrunner is sought.
Evaluating the Future Outlook After the Showrunner Change
Despite the initial concerns surrounding Erickson’s departure, industry observers hold cautious optimism. Erickson only joined Tulsa King as showrunner in its third season and similarly did not begin leading Mayor of Kingstown until that show’s second season, showing a recent pattern of joining established projects. Taylor Sheridan, known for creating and running multiple series including the Yellowstone franchise, consistently delegates showrunning duties to trusted collaborators while maintaining an executive producer role.
This approach has allowed Sheridan’s projects to successfully continue under new creative leads, suggesting that NOLA King could similarly find a capable showrunner to carry the series forward. While the spinoff is not yet fully greenlit, the integration of Samuel L. Jackson’s character into Tulsa King season 3 provides a direct narrative link that could strengthen the chance of NOLA King moving into active production.
Context on Tulsa King and Its Expanding Universe
Tulsa King follows the story of Dwight “The General” Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone, a New York mafia capo who, after spending 25 years in prison, is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, by his boss. Facing potential threats and betrayal, he builds a new criminal empire with an unlikely crew in unfamiliar territory. Martin Starr stars alongside as Lawrence “Bodhi” Geigerman, adding complexity to the series’ ensemble.
The addition of Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the upcoming season and the planned spinoff in a new location aim to expand this crime drama universe. This ambitious expansion has garnered attention but also faces challenges as production aligns with casting and leadership changes.
What Comes Next for the Tulsa King Spinoff Project
As the search for a new showrunner intensifies, the fate of NOLA King remains in flux. While the spinoff is not yet officially confirmed, the connection to Tulsa King season 3 through Samuel L. Jackson’s character could anchor its development moving forward. Taylor Sheridan’s experience in managing multiple series offers hope that NOLA King will find a creative leader to navigate these early hurdles and bring the new story to fruition on Paramount+.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Samuel L. Jackson overcome addiction?
A. Samuel L. Jackson made a major move to beat drug addiction by getting professional help and joining a rehab program. The guidance and support he found there were key to his recovery success.
Q. Is Samuel L. Jackson a billionaire?
A. Jackson has a net worth of $250 million. Much of this wealth comes from his role as Nick Fury, his spokesperson contract with Capital One, and his real estate investments on both coasts. He and his wife, sports producer LaTanya Richardson, purchased a house in Beverly Park, a gated community in Beverly Hills, from Roseanne Barr.
Q. What role did Samuel L. Jackson turn down?
A. Jackson chose not to take a part in “Malcolm X” and instead acted in the 1992 movie “White Sands.”
Q. Why was Samuel L. Jackson expelled?
A. In 1969, Jackson was expelled from Morehouse College. He and some activists held Martin Luther King’s father and college leaders hostage. They did this to demand better conditions for Black students. The group kept the leaders locked up for two days.
