Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone revealed how his role in Taylor Sheridan’s crime drama, Sylvester Stallone Tulsa King, led him to delay his retirement plans. Known worldwide for iconic characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Stallone took on his first leading part in a scripted television series playing Dwight Manfredi when the show premiered in 2022.
Tulsa King quickly became a major success, breaking viewership records on Paramount+ and earning praise as one of Sheridan’s best works. With the upcoming season 3 set to premiere on September 21 and a renewal already confirmed for season 4, Stallone shared how the series inspired him to continue acting beyond his initial plans.
Stallone Explains His Shift from Retirement to Renewal
In a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley discussing Tulsa King season 3, Stallone opened up about how the show changed his retirement timeline. Originally, he planned to star for only two seasons before stepping away, but the success and his enthusiasm for the project convinced him otherwise.
“Well, what’s the moral of that story is never listen to an actor. If he has a hit going, he is not walking away, it’s too rare. I only wanted to do two seasons maximum and I was done for real. I’d say goodbye. This is it. Take a polaroid, right, because I’m not coming back. I thought, how do you follow up with it? And then when it came out, [I was like], you can’t quit on this thing. You love sequels anyway, so just go for it. Forget your age and just keep pumping away. And now the next season coming up, this was really good. I think it’s going to be even better.” — Sylvester Stallone
When asked about season 4, Stallone expressed confidence, noting the creative force of returning showrunner Terence Winter and a fresh team ready to elevate the series.
“Yeah, because you got Terry Winter in that group back and they’re fresh and they’re ready to kill.” — Sylvester Stallone
Overview of Tulsa King’s Story and Ensemble Cast
Tulsa King centers on Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a former New York mafia capo who, after serving 25 years in prison, is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, by his boss. Faced with the challenge of building a new criminal empire in unfamiliar territory while guarding against betrayal, Manfredi gathers a diverse group of allies to navigate this complicated landscape.
The show’s strength lies in its cast, featuring not only Stallone but also Martin Starr as Lawrence “Bodhi” Geigerman, among others. Stallone’s commanding performance anchors the ensemble, helping define the drama’s compelling tone and storytelling style.
What Stallone’s Commitment Signals for His Career and Tulsa King’s Future
Stallone’s decision to extend his involvement with Tulsa King indicates he may continue acting longer than anticipated. While initially poised to retire from on-screen roles, the series’ success has reignited his passion. Having co-written several episodes, he is deeply invested both in front of and potentially behind the camera.
The presence of Terence Winter returning as showrunner for season 4 suggests a renewed creative energy that could help maintain high standards and draw in audiences. Plans for season 4’s story arcs are already in place, and if season 3 performs well, a fifth season renewal could be forthcoming.
Additionally, there are talks about a spinoff titled NOLA King, which may further extend Stallone’s involvement with the franchise, potentially postponing his retirement even longer.
Stallone’s Experience Transitioning to Television and Its Impact
Known primarily for blockbuster films, Stallone has adapted to the different pace and style of television production with notable success. His leadership on set and enthusiasm for the series have reinvigorated his creative spirit, shining through in his portrayal of Dwight Manfredi.
The transition from movie icon to TV star is significant, representing a new chapter in Stallone’s extensive career. His ongoing role in Tulsa King highlights the impact of innovative storytelling under Taylor Sheridan’s guidance and opens possibilities for further projects.
The Ensemble’s Role in Sustaining Tulsa King
The ensemble cast has consistently been a key factor in the show’s popularity. Stallone’s veteran presence complements emerging talents like Martin Starr, who plays Bodhi Geigerman, helping craft the dynamic relationships that drive the plot.
The chemistry among the characters and the intricate balance of loyalty and danger in the storyline create an engaging narrative, drawing viewers back each season. This collaborative energy contributes to the show’s critical acclaim and growing fanbase.
