Samuel L. Jackson Leads Crime Drama ‘NOLA King’ Spinoff

Samuel L. Jackson is set to headline the upcoming Paramount+ series NOLA King, a crime drama spinoff of the popular show Tulsa King. This new installment, centering on Jackson’s character as he returns to New Orleans after decades away, aims to deepen the universe created by Taylor Sheridan while delivering another intense look at the criminal underworld in a dynamic Southern city. The Samuel L. Jackson NOLA King project is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise’s well-established crime saga template.

Jackson Steps into New Orleans as a Veteran Hitman

NOLA King follows Russell Lee Washington Jr., portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, an aging hitman escaping the reach of the New York mob. The character was first introduced in the third season of Tulsa King and will now lead his own narrative set in New Orleans, a city he grew up in but has not seen for more than 40 years. The series will explore Washington’s efforts to reconnect with family and friends, reclaim territory in his old stomping grounds, and start over despite the risks and enemies awaiting his return.

The concept draws clear inspiration from Tulsa King, which saw Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight “The General” Manfredi attempt to build a criminal empire in unfamiliar territory after leaving prison. Both characters are thrust into cities they barely recognize, seeking purpose while navigating treacherous criminal and personal challenges. According to an official synopsis,

“Inspired by what Dwight created in Tulsa and impressed with the possibilities of second chances, Washington returns to New Orleans, the home he abandoned forty-years ago, to rekindle his relationship with his family and friends, and to take control of the city he left behind,”

the story sees him facing new and old threats alike:

“In so doing, he incurs the wrath of his former employers in New York, and makes himself vulnerable to old NOLA foes, both criminal and cop.”

Sylvester Stallone commented that this new spinoff elevates Tulsa King

“beyond a mob boss series, creating a dynamic, family-driven franchise,”

while emphasizing Jackson’s pivotal role with

“Sam Jackson is the only choice to anchor this new adventure in NOLA.”

The Tulsa King Connection: Origins of a New Crime Saga

Russell Lee Washington Jr. made his entrance in the penultimate episode of Tulsa King’s third season. After carrying out a hit for Quiet Ray, leader of the influential Renzetti crime family, Lee was ordered to eliminate Dwight. Still indebted to Quiet Ray from their past, Lee initially had no choice but to take the job.

Upon arriving in Tulsa, Lee hesitated, burdened by the fact that Dwight had once saved his life during their stint in prison. His refusal to carry out the hit antagonized Quiet Ray, who then dispatched additional killers to take out both Dwight and Lee. The duo managed to defend themselves successfully, and Lee found new motivation to join Dwight in his feud with local crime figure Jeremiah Dunmire.

Together, they overcame Dunmire, after which Lee contemplated his next steps. He told Dwight,

“Seeing what you’ve done here makes me want to go back to New Orleans and maybe start something new,”

and reflected,

“If the General can do it, how hard could it be?”

With threats from the Renzetti crime family looming over his shoulder, Lee made the decision to return to his hometown of New Orleans, hinting at possible crossovers with Tulsa King characters in the future.

Jackson Shares Excitement for His Role and the Series

Sharing his thoughts with Collider during the summer, Samuel L. Jackson expressed passion about joining a Taylor Sheridan project. As a longtime fan of Sheridan’s expanding slate on Paramount+, including shows like Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and Landman, Jackson relished the opportunity to become part of this acclaimed universe. He said,

“At least 15 of those shows are on my watchlist all the time, so I’m really happy to be in that universe,”

and recalled,

“I watched Tulsa King, and I liked it even before that idea came up.”

During the project’s early stages, Jackson admitted he had little information about the specifics or even his character’s full name. Nonetheless, he stated,

“I don’t know anything about it, but I do know that I’m very anxious to jump into it and find out what it’s going to be,”

reflecting eagerness for the challenge.

In a November 2025 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jackson voiced a humorous but pointed plea for authentic filming in New Orleans, advocating against shooting elsewhere to save on costs. He asked pointedly,

“Why you tryin’ to work cheap?”

and pressed the case for authenticity by urging, “Let’s go to New Orleans!”

Details on the Cast and Characters

While Paramount+ has not yet announced the full roster of performers, Samuel L. Jackson is confirmed as the lead, playing Russell Lee Washington Jr., a seasoned hitman looking to redefine his legacy in the Big Easy. This marks Jackson’s first starring role in a television series, a notable milestone in his lengthy career.

Sylvester Stallone, reflecting on sharied career trajectories, told PEOPLE in September 2025,

“I guess he got to the point that I did that he’s done pretty much everything,”

and continued,

“But at this age in life, you want to be a little bit more grounded, steady, have your own show so you develop this thing, really flesh it out instead of working someplace for 10 days or a gig here and there.”

Though other casting news remains under wraps, established Tulsa King characters and adversaries such as Quiet Ray and the Renzetti crime family are expected to feed into the events of NOLA King, possibly continuing their volatile relationships. Fans may see crossover moments with other recognizable faces from the extended universe.

Anticipated Release Date and Filming Schedule

Paramount+ has not provided a specific release date for NOLA King. However, reports in July 2025 indicated that filming is tentatively scheduled to begin in February 2026, raising anticipation that the show could premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, pending production timelines and possible location arrangements.

As details unfold and more information emerges about casting, filming, and storylines, the excitement around Samuel L. Jackson NOLA King continues to build. The series’ emphasis on family, loyalty, and second chances in a complex city ensures that it has the potential to make a significant impact within the growing world originated by Taylor Sheridan and thrilling audiences who have followed Tulsa King’s journey from Tulsa to New Orleans.