Sylvester Stallone leads Tulsa King in Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed television series, which continues to draw attention with upcoming spin-offs and renewals. Alongside Stallone, actor Garrett Hedlund has taken on a notable role as a singing cowboy, speaking candidly about his personal and professional experiences in the series.
Taylor Sheridan’s Tulsa King remains a standout among modern television dramas, so much so that a new spin-off fronted by Samuel L. Jackson has already been announced. The original series, steered by Stallone, showcases a range of established actors, with Hedlund among the most recognized names due to his work in both film and TV.
Hedlund, best known from films like Tron: Legacy, discussed his involvement in Tulsa King during a recent promotional interview for his film Barron’s Cove. He shed light on how his long-standing relationship with Stallone and previous interactions with creator Taylor Sheridan led to his role in the series. Hedlund noted that prior commitments had prevented earlier collaborations with Sheridan, but the timing finally aligned for Tulsa King, marking a significant moment in his career.
“I jumped on Tulsa King because I’d known Sly since I was 18, and I’d been crossing paths a lot with Taylor Sheridan, and the timing just wasn’t working out for us — and so when they came to me with Tulsa, I just thought I’d really f***ing enjoy it, you know, going mano a mano with Sly,” Hedlund told MovieWeb. “And it’s worked out.”
—Garrett Hedlund, Actor
Adaptation to Television and Growth Through Tulsa King
While Hedlund had found considerable success in movies, his dive into television began with Tulsa King, which has been renewed for a third season. The series, known for introducing new characters and branching storylines, offered Hedlund a different creative challenge compared to scripted films. He explained how adapting to the ambiguity and pacing of a series meant trusting his instincts and embracing improvisation daily, leading to personal and professional growth.
“I wasn’t so familiar with TV, of the first season introducing all these characters and branching off and doing, you know, much more. I was familiar with the style: You get in your stories, there in front of you, you know what’s going to happen; you understand what your trajectory is through this journey, and that’s what you have to play with. So there’s a lot of ambiguity, kind of day-to-day on a series. But… I just like following my instinct and intuitions, and doing what I see fit, kind of in the moment.”
—Garrett Hedlund, Actor
Garrett Hedlund’s Approach to New Roles and Personal Reflections
Hedlund’s evolution as an actor has continued with his latest film, Barron’s Cove, which is distributed by Well Go USA and now playing in theatres and on VOD. In this new project, he takes on the character Caleb, a father determined to seek justice for his family. As a real-life parent, Hedlund revealed that the emotional depth and struggle within Barron’s Cove resonated with his own journey, influencing how he approached Caleb’s character and motivations.
“It was the first script that had come across my way since I was a father, you know, and something that really made me question how far I would go, and how far is too far when you feel you’re right,” said Hedlund. “In this particular story, Caleb’s trying to find the truth and trying to find answers. And then, there’s that unique question of, you know, ‘Where’s the point where the truth becomes much more dangerous than a lie?’ And so that was really intriguing. You know, I’ve been doing this for a bit. I just like to do projects that, for whatever reason, mean something to me. I like to do projects that heal people in a way, make people feel less alone in their environments, give people who had upbringings like myself the capability to be able to escape their reality once in a while and drift away in this landscape of a film and a story that hopefully captivates them. So anything that lends itself to that, I’m all for.”
—Garrett Hedlund, Actor
Continued Popularity of Tulsa King and Cast Contributions
Tulsa King’s strong following is testament to the creative vision of Taylor Sheridan and the direction led by Sylvester Stallone. The series continues to attract attention due to its unique characters and intricate plotlines, prompting not only additional seasons but also new offshoots for familiar faces like Samuel L. Jackson. The cast, featuring Garrett Hedlund as a central figure, brings a mix of established and rising actors who each play pivotal roles.
Other key players in Barron’s Cove include Stephen Lang as Benji, Brittany Snow as Jackie, and Hamish Linklater as Lyle, rounding out a cast that adds further depth to both the original Tulsa King series and its expanding universe. Each member contributes to the overall narrative, ensuring a compelling viewing experience for audiences who appreciate dramatic storytelling grounded in character development and emotional stakes.
Significance and Anticipated Impact of Hedlund’s Success with Tulsa King
Garrett Hedlund’s honest reflections provide a glimpse into the collaborative and demanding environment behind Tulsa King, giving fans a better understanding of how meaningful these projects can be for the artists involved. The ongoing commitment of Taylor Sheridan and Sylvester Stallone to delivering powerful stories ensures that Tulsa King will continue making a mark in the television landscape, while also paving the way for new projects and talent to thrive. With more from Tulsa King and fresh performances from Hedlund in films like Barron’s Cove, fans can expect a steady stream of engaging, character-driven stories in the seasons and releases to come.
