How ‘Frisco King’ Expands Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Tulsa King’ Universe with Samuel L. Jackson

The television landscape has experienced a monumental transformation over the past decade as rugged, character-driven dramas have reclaimed dominance across streaming platforms. At the center of this movement is prolific screenwriter and producer Taylor Sheridan, whose sprawling cable and streaming ecosystem continues to draw legions of devoted viewers. Within this expanding stable, the hit mafia comedy-drama ‘Tulsa King’ proved that venerable cinematic legends could thrive within long-form episodic crime television.

Audiences quickly embraced the sharp blend of classic underworld tension, unexpected fish-out-of-water humor, and old-school machismo in suburban and rural heartlands. The original series established a rare narrative elasticity, demonstrating that contemporary mob stories do not need to remain confined to traditional metropolitan centers like New York or Chicago. As network executives looked to replicate that unprecedented success, discussions intensified regarding how outward branches of this specific syndicate could realistically expand.

That ambition materialized into concrete industry movement when Deadline initially reported that Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson was finalizing plans to spearhead a dedicated spinoff. The project was conceived as an offshoot starring Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr., an imposing underworld figure whose shared history directly intersects with Dwight Manfredi. Rather than serving merely as a temporary guest appearance, Jackson’s introduction was engineered from inception to serve as the launchpad for a brand-new crime outpost.

From New Orleans to North Texas: The Evolution of Russell Lee Washington Jr.

Viewers received their first glimpse of Jackson’s enigmatic character during the third season of ‘Tulsa King’, where Washington debuted in pivotal episodes opposite Sylvester Stallone. Sent by rival New York mob bosses to assassinate Dwight, the lethal ex-convict instead honored a two-decade bond formed during their joint 10-year prison sentence. Choosing professional loyalty over corporate contract killings, Washington spared his former companion and set his sights on establishing an autonomous organization.

While the project was originally developed under the working title ‘NOLA King’ with plans to base operations in Louisiana, key creative adjustments quickly altered the production pathway. Original showrunner Dave Erickson exited the venture, prompting Sheridan to take direct creative control over the narrative architecture. To accommodate the revamped direction, production relocated the setting from the bayous to the affluent, sun-drenched suburban corridors of Frisco, Texas.

Explaining the creative overhaul and the creator’s renewed direct involvement, Paramount Television Studios president Matt Thunell highlighted the singular pedigree guiding the production in a statement reported by Variety. “We are honored to have Taylor Sheridan write the first season of ‘Frisco King’ and bring to life Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic character,” Thunell stated. “Having him pen all episodes of the season with his singular voice will be a treat for fans of ‘Tulsa King’ and audiences around the world.”

Assembling the Crew and Setting the Stage for ‘Frisco King’

With Sheridan personally writing all eight episodes of the debut season, ‘Frisco King’ pivots around Washington transforming an unsuspecting suburb into a lucrative criminal playground. Operating beneath manicured lawns and corporate business parks, the seasoned gangster begins enlisting local assets who can navigate modern illicit ventures. The core ensemble includes Asa Germann portraying a resourceful college dropout named Teddy, who quickly rises as Washington’s ambitious right-hand protégé.

The supporting roster also features Kai Caster as a local luxury hotel valet named Keith, alongside Lilah Pate as London and Savanna Gann as Avery, two influential locals drawn into the orbit of organized crime. Additionally, Arturo Del Puerto joins the ensemble as Hector, an enterprising landscaper whose residential access proves invaluable to the emerging syndicate. Stallone is confirmed to make a special guest appearance as Dwight Manfredi, cementing the connective tissue binding the sister programs together.

Two Heavyweights Sharing the Screen

Reflecting on the dynamic of sharing dialogue with Jackson, Stallone marveled at the effortless presence his long-time contemporary brought to the set in an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. “He’s just cool… not many people can do that, can have that kind of control, and be that relaxed in the moment,” Stallone explained when detailing their initial on-screen showdown. That electrifying friction promises to set the tone as the criminal empire expands into uncharted southwestern territory.

With principal photography completed in Fort Worth, Texas, Paramount+ has slated ‘Frisco King’ to officially premiere on December 18, 2026, launching with two back-to-back episodes. New installments will subsequently stream weekly every Friday, offering audiences eight continuous weeks of high-stakes suburban power struggles. As Sheridan continues constructing one of the most prolific television universes in modern entertainment, Jackson’s entry ensures that the franchise remains as sharp and unpredictable as ever.

Let us know in the comments below whether you are excited to see Samuel L. Jackson build his own suburban mob empire in ‘Frisco King’ or if you would have preferred the original New Orleans setting.