Samuel L. Jackson Finally Anchors His Own TV Series With NOLA King Spinoff

Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson will star in his first-ever leading television role. The project is titled NOLA King, a new spinoff from Taylor Sheridan’s hit series Tulsa King. Paramount+ confirmed the series, with production set to begin in early 2026. The show marks a major career milestone for the legendary actor.

Jackson will play an aging hitman seeking redemption in his hometown of New Orleans. The character was first introduced in the third season finale of Tulsa King. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this expansion solidifies Taylor Sheridan’s growing television empire.

Russell Lee Washington Jr. Seeks a Violent Homecoming

Jackson’s character is Russell Lee Washington Jr. He is a seasoned enforcer for New York’s powerful Renzetti crime family. Washington shares a deep history with Dwight Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone. The two men forged a loyal friendship during a decade-long prison sentence together.

This bond is tested when the Renzetti family orders Washington to kill Manfredi. He refuses, defying his bosses and putting a target on his own back. Forced to flee New York, Washington is inspired by Manfredi’s own reinvention. He decides to return to New Orleans, a city he abandoned 40 years earlier.

His goal is to reconnect with estranged family and reclaim his place in the city’s underworld. However, his return threatens both his former New York employers and old enemies in Louisiana. The official description promises a gritty story of redemption, family, and violent conflict.

Taylor Sheridan’s Prestige TV Universe Expands South

NOLA King represents a significant southward expansion for creator Taylor Sheridan. He already oversees the massively successful Yellowstone franchise and series like Mayor of Kingstown. This new show will exist within the same narrative universe as Tulsa King, creating a connected mob saga.

Sylvester Stallone, an executive producer, praised the vision. He stated the spinoff elevates the story beyond a simple mob boss narrative. It transforms it into a dynamic, family-driven franchise. Stallone emphasized that Jackson was the only actor capable of anchoring this new chapter.

Jackson himself expressed excitement about joining Sheridan’s creative world. In interviews, he noted he typically has over 15 of Sheridan’s shows on his personal watchlist. His involvement brings immense star power to Paramount+’s expanding original content slate.

A Landmark Role for a Box Office King

For Samuel L. Jackson, this role is a notable first. Guinness World Records recognizes him as the highest-grossing actor of all time. His films have collectively earned over $7 billion globally. Despite appearing in more than 150 movies, he has never led an ongoing television series.

He has taken prominent roles in limited series like The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. His role in Marvel’s Secret Invasion was also significant. But NOLA King offers his first chance to develop a character over multiple seasons as the undeniable lead.

Stallone reflected on this shared career stage with Jackson. Both actors now seek deeper, more character-rich projects that television can provide. Having a series allows for nuanced development that feature films often cannot match.

The premiere of NOLA King will be a major event, uniting one of cinema’s most bankable stars with television’s most prolific creator in a gritty New Orleans crime saga.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why is Samuel L. Jackson’s role in NOLA King significant?

This marks Jackson’s first-ever leading role in an ongoing television series. Despite his legendary film career spanning decades and hundreds of movies, he has never anchored a TV show as the main character before now.

Q2: How is NOLA King connected to Tulsa King?

It is a direct spinoff. Jackson’s character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., was introduced in the Season 3 finale of Tulsa King. His story begins after he defies orders to kill Sylvester Stallone’s character, Dwight Manfredi.

Q3: Where will NOLA King be filmed?

Samuel L. Jackson has publicly advocated for authentic filming in New Orleans. He questioned why producers would “work cheap” by filming elsewhere. Paramount+ has not officially confirmed the location, but Jackson’s stance suggests a strong push for authenticity.

Q4: When will NOLA King premiere?

An exact release date is not set. Filming is scheduled to begin in February 2026. A premiere on Paramount+ is expected sometime later in 2026, following post-production.

Q5: Who are the executive producers?

The series is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, Sylvester Stallone, Samuel L. Jackson, and David C. Glasser. This powerful team combines Sheridan’s creative vision with the star power and influence of Jackson and Stallone.

Q6: What is the main conflict in the show?

Washington returns to New Orleans to rebuild his life and criminal empire. His plans immediately clash with the New York family he betrayed and dangerous figures from his own past in Louisiana, setting up a conflict on two fronts.