The Expansion of the Sheridan-Verse: Sylvester Stallone to Bring Star Power to ‘Frisco King’

In the ever-expanding television empire of Taylor Sheridan, the line between supporting characters and franchise leads is becoming increasingly blurred. As the prolific creator behind Yellowstone, Landman, and Mayor of Kingstown continues to dominate the cultural conversation, his hit crime drama Tulsa King has reached a pivotal juncture. With the fourth season premiering on October 16, 2026, the series is not merely continuing the story of Dwight “The General” Manfredi—it is laying the groundwork for a massive, multi-city expansion of the King brand.

At the center of this evolution is the introduction of Russell Lee Washington Jr., a veteran hitman portrayed by the legendary Samuel L. Jackson. Following his introduction in the third season of Tulsa King, Jackson’s character has become the catalyst for the next major entry in Sheridan’s gritty criminal saga: Frisco King.

The Evolution of the ‘King’ Franchise: From Tulsa to Texas

The genesis of Frisco King represents a significant shift in production strategy. Originally conceptualized as NOLA King and set against the atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans, the project underwent a strategic pivot. By shifting the setting to Frisco, Texas, Sheridan appears to be leaning into the hyper-local, regional storytelling that has defined his work in the American heartland.

For fans, the transition from NOLA King to Frisco King suggests that the narrative stakes are moving closer to the traditional “Sheridan-verse” stomping grounds. Frisco, a rapidly developing city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, provides a stark, modern contrast to the oil-rich tension of Oklahoma.

The primary mission of this spin-off is to provide Samuel L. Jackson—an actor with a career spanning over five decades—a vehicle of his own. Jackson’s portrayal of the calculated and dangerous Russell Lee Washington Jr. has already resonated with audiences, providing a perfect foil to Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi.

A Clash of Titans: Stallone and Jackson

The chemistry between Sylvester Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson in Tulsa King has been hailed as one of the standout elements of the series’ recent run. Between them, these two icons share over 100 years of industry experience, and their onscreen collaboration has been described as a masterclass in tension and mutual respect.

In a recent interview with Collider, Stallone offered a poignant comparison to describe the experience of working opposite Jackson. "You know, Sam, it’s kind of like two racers in identical cars going at the same speed," Stallone remarked. "You don’t feel you’re superior, or you’re working with a neophyte, or someone who’s green. You got a guy here that’s had 50 years’ experience, so it’s kind of like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. You better be on your game, or you’re gonna get punched out."

This competitive dynamic, which clearly translated well in Tulsa King, is expected to be a cornerstone of the Frisco King narrative, even if Stallone’s role is that of a mentor or a visiting associate rather than the primary protagonist.

Implications: Stallone’s Involvement in ‘Frisco King’

One of the most burning questions among the fanbase has been whether the king of Tulsa would make the trip to Texas. The answer, as confirmed by Stallone himself, is a definitive "yes."

Stallone has confirmed that he will appear in two-and-a-half episodes of the first season of Frisco King. With the spin-off slated for an eight-episode debut season, Stallone’s presence will account for over 25% of the series’ total run. This level of involvement is significant, as it ensures a narrative bridge between the two shows, signaling to viewers that the criminal empire established in Oklahoma is expanding, not just moving.

The narrative logic for this cameo remains speculative, but given that Dwight and Russell parted on good terms during the third season of Tulsa King, it is highly probable that Manfredi acts as an advisor or a logistical bridge for Russell’s own rise to power. Having learned the ropes from the “General” in Oklahoma, Russell is poised to apply those same lessons to the competitive landscape of North Texas.

Chronology of the Sheridan Expansion

To understand the trajectory of the King franchise, one must look at the pacing of the Sheridan-verse:

• 2022: Tulsa King premieres, establishing a new archetype for the mob drama genre.
• 2025: The introduction of Samuel L. Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr. shifts the scale of the Tulsa King narrative.
• Early 2026: Initial plans for NOLA King are scrapped in favor of the Frisco King development.
• October 2026: Tulsa King Season 4 debuts, setting the stage for Dwight Manfredi’s transition into a more complex, vulnerable criminal leader.
• 2027 (Expected): The premiere of Frisco King on Paramount+, marking the official birth of the spin-off.

This timeline reflects a deliberate strategy of testing characters in the flagship series before spinning them off into their own distinct environments. It is a formula that has served the Yellowstone universe well, and it appears to be the blueprint for the King series as well.

The State of the Empire: Season 4 and Beyond

As Tulsa King enters its fourth season, Dwight Manfredi faces his most challenging obstacles yet. According to official production synopses, Dwight is attempting to move toward a more legitimate empire, but the forces of reality are pulling him back into the shadows.

"Corrupt politicians, dangerous new enemies, and a crushing personal loss hit from every direction," reads the official Season 4 description. Each move Dwight makes seems to drag him deeper into the street-level instincts he once sought to leave behind in New York. This internal conflict—the desire for legitimacy versus the necessity of violence—is what will likely drive the connection to Frisco King. If Dwight is forced to operate in the shadows, he will need capable allies like Russell to handle the dirty work in new territories.

Looking further ahead, showrunners have hinted that Tulsa King Season 5 will involve a return to New York City, suggesting that the franchise is moving toward a full circle narrative. The characters who survived the trials in the heartland will eventually return to the cradle of the American mob, providing a satisfying conclusion to the arcs established in 2022.

Implications for the Industry

The success of the Sheridan model—characterized by rapid development, high-tier talent acquisition, and regional specificity—has fundamentally altered how streaming platforms view franchise expansion. By leveraging the star power of names like Stallone and Jackson, Paramount+ has successfully built a "prestige" crime drama that feels as expansive as a blockbuster film franchise.

The decision to pivot to Frisco King also highlights the importance of marketability. Frisco, Texas, as a setting, offers a unique aesthetic and thematic backdrop that differentiates it from the oil fields of Tulsa or the streets of New York. This regional flavor is exactly what attracts the diverse, wide-reaching audience that Sheridan has cultivated over the last decade.

Furthermore, the integration of veteran actors into these roles suggests a shift toward a "legacy-led" television model. Rather than relying solely on rising stars, Sheridan is utilizing the gravitas of Hollywood royalty to anchor his shows, ensuring that even the spin-offs carry the weight and quality of the parent material.

Conclusion: What to Expect

While there is no firm release date for Frisco King, the anticipation is already building. Fans of the Tulsa King universe can expect a show that maintains the dark, cynical, yet darkly humorous tone of its predecessor, while benefiting from the unique intensity that Samuel L. Jackson brings to every role he inhabits.

With Sylvester Stallone confirmed for multiple episodes, the transition from Tulsa to Frisco will be seamless, ensuring that viewers don’t feel they are starting over from scratch, but rather exploring a new frontier of the same dangerous world. As we look toward the premiere of Tulsa King Season 4 this week, it is clear that Taylor Sheridan is only just getting started. The criminal empire is growing, and for the fans, the expansion into Texas promises to be one of the most compelling chapters in the story yet.

Whether you are in it for the tactical maneuvers of the mob, the high-stakes drama of the characters, or simply to watch two of the greatest actors of our generation share the screen, the future of the King franchise looks brighter—and more dangerous—than ever.