Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone has admitted that stepping on set with Samuel L. Jackson for the first time in Tulsa King Season 3 felt like walking into a ring with a heavyweight fighter. The 79-year-old actor, who plays mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi, confessed that the news of Jackson joining the Paramount+ series made him nervous at first, but the experience soon turned into a rewarding collaboration.
“When I heard that Samuel was coming in, I thought, ‘This is going to be a real battle,’” Stallone shared in an interview with People. “It felt like being two boxers sizing each other up before the first punch. He’s serious competition, and that can make you nervous.”
Jackson, 76, joined the cast as Russell Lee Washington Jr, an ex-con tasked with taking down Manfredi. Despite Stallone’s early doubts, the tension disappeared the moment Jackson walked on set. Their chemistry clicked instantly, with Stallone even joking about a possible spin-off titled Tulsa King and Buddy.
“We are good, we are flowing,” Stallone explained. “We just worked that well together.”
Interestingly, despite decades of living only a hundred yards apart in Los Angeles, Stallone and Jackson had never collaborated until now. The pairing quickly became a highlight of the new season, with Stallone describing Jackson’s presence as “relaxed confidence,” comparing it to a fighter who has mastered his craft over years.
Jackson Expands His Role in the Franchise
Alongside his role in Tulsa King, Samuel L. Jackson is also headlining a spin-off titled NOLA King, where his character builds a criminal empire in Louisiana. This expansion confirms that Jackson’s involvement is shaping the future of the franchise.
Stallone on His Legacy and Career
Reflecting on his long career, Stallone recalled the struggles of his early acting days. “You are just trying to survive. You’re not really aware of the chaos it brings. I told myself, you might not make it, but you give 100%, not 99%,” he said.
Now, as he nears 80, Stallone looks back without regrets. “When you lie down and reflect, you just say, ‘Dear Lord, I tried my best. I didn’t quit.’ That’s my legacy.”
Tulsa King Continues to Grow
Season 3 of Tulsa King is currently streaming on Paramount+, dropping new episodes every Sunday. This season also introduces Stallone’s daughter Scarlet Stallone in a bigger role and adds new faces such as Kevin Pollak and Dana Delaney. With Season 4 already confirmed, Stallone and Jackson’s on-screen partnership is only beginning.
