Tulsa King Crew Shake-Up: 26 Members, Including Stallone’s Stunt Double, Let Go Before Season 4 Filming

Just weeks before filming for Season 4 of Tulsa King was set to begin, 26 crew members of the Paramount+ hit were told they would not be returning.

The affected staff, who worked across sound, stunts, camera, hair, extras casting, and other departments, were expecting to continue after the show’s two-year renewal, according to Deadline. Most, if not all, are set to be replaced.

Among those impacted was Freddie Poole, an Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator and long-time stunt double for Sylvester Stallone.

Poole, who has worked with Stallone for 14 years, said he was informed within two weeks of his start date that he would lose his position. “I feel really bad for the Atlanta film community with just the way things went down,” he said. Poole was offered a role as a photo double but turned it down. “I’ve been in this business for 30 years and I’ve been on shows for multiple seasons, and I’ve never seen this kind of turnover,” he added.

Chad Gregory, Stallone’s stand-in for all three previous seasons, also learned indirectly that he would not be returning. Gregory said his old job, which paid $250 a day, is now being advertised at $400 a day. “Look, I get it. Business is business…unless you are out there getting gut punched, I don’t give a flying rip about your opinion,” he stated.

101 Studios and Paramount declined to comment on the matter. Insiders noted that such turnover is typical in the industry from season to season, and those not asked back were not under contract. Budget cuts were reportedly not a factor.

Season 4 of Tulsa King is also seeing changes behind the scenes. Terence Winter, who was executive producer and showrunner for Season 1, is returning as head writer and executive producer, while Season 3 showrunner Dave Erickson exits.

The shake-up comes amid larger changes at Paramount. Earlier this week, it was announced that Taylor Sheridan will leave Paramount for a five-year overall deal at NBCUniversal starting in 2029. Paramount is also preparing significant layoffs, cutting around 1,000 U.S.-based staff in the first round, with another 1,000 expected to follow.

This sudden crew replacement highlights the often unpredictable nature of TV production. It’s tough for longtime staff like Poole and Gregory, who had built careers around the show.

What do you think about this kind of last-minute crew shake-up on major TV shows? Share your thoughts in the comments.