The highly successful Paramount+ series created by Taylor Sheridan, Tulsa King, has encountered significant challenges as it embarks on season 4, with notable upheavals in its crew and leadership. The latest developments in the Taylor Sheridan Tulsa King changes include the replacement of 26 crew members and a shift in the showrunner structure just ahead of new episodes filming in Atlanta.
Massive Crew Overhaul Strikes Tulsa King
Despite Tulsa King’s popularity since its 2022 debut, production for the fourth season began under tense circumstances. Variety has confirmed that, only a week before cameras started rolling, 26 crew members spanning key departments such as sound, stunts, transportation, and hair and makeup were dismissed and replaced. None of those dismissed had secured contracts to return for the upcoming season.
This shakeup also unfolded without a designated showrunner guiding production. Star Sylvester Stallone, portraying Dwight ‘The General’ Manfredi, returns to anchor the cast, while Martin Starr reprises his role as Lawrence ‘Bodhi’ Geigerman. Still, this behind-the-scenes turmoil has cast uncertainty over the creative direction and day-to-day management of the show.
Leadership Instability and Showrunner Tensions
Leadership challenges have marked Tulsa King’s history in contrast to other Taylor Sheridan projects like Yellowstone. Sheridan, while the series creator, has never served as showrunner for Tulsa King. Terrence Winter fulfilled this role in the inaugural season but exited prior to season two. Producer and director Craig Zisk reportedly assumed much of the showrunning work in the second season, despite lacking the official title.
For season three, Dave Erickson was appointed showrunner. However, Variety reports that creative friction emerged between Erickson and lead actor Stallone, ultimately leading to Erickson’s departure. Terrence Winter has now returned but strictly as head writer and executive producer, not as showrunner.
Studio Oversight Replaces Traditional Showrunning
Amid this backdrop, 101 Studios, which produces Tulsa King, has taken on a more direct supervisory role. Freddie Poole, previously the stunt coordinator until his recent dismissal along with others, described this unconventional arrangement:
[101 Studios executive Scott Stone] said, ‘We’re not going to have a showrunner,
– Freddie Poole, Stunt Coordinator
101 is the showrunner.’ And I raised an eyebrow at that. That was the writing on the wall for me. I knew at that point I better start looking out for myself.
– Freddie Poole, Stunt Coordinator
Poole elaborated that this structure, with studio executives like Scott Stone effectively controlling operations, was a stark departure from industry norms.
Concerns Over Firing Process and Crew Morale
The manner in which the firings were handled has been described as abrupt and insensitive. Poole remarked:
The manner in which this was done was just unprofessional and unnecessary,
– Freddie Poole, Stunt Coordinator
Some of these people … were told to leave their equipment at the stages [after Season 3], and then told a week before shooting that they don’t have a job. I think it was really disheartening.
– Freddie Poole, Stunt Coordinator
Such handling of long-serving crew members has impacted morale and left several individuals disappointed after contributing to earlier seasons.
Uncertain Future for Season 4
While it isn’t uncommon for television productions to see staff turnover between seasons, the lack of a named showrunner and the direct involvement of executives like Stone in operational decision-making is unusual. The underlying reasons for these dramatic Taylor Sheridan Tulsa King changes remain unclear, with no official statements clarifying the rationale.
The effect of these shifts on the actual content and overall quality of Tulsa King season 4 is yet to be seen. As the series heads forward under these circumstances, observers are keen to see how this unconventional approach will impact both creative output and behind-the-scenes stability for the franchise.
