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Samuel L. Jackson’s historic television lead role begins filming tonight. Frisco King, the Tulsa King spinoff, starts production March 20 in Fort Worth, Texas. A hitman seeking redemption takes center stage in this Taylor Sheridan masterpiece.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Lead Star: Samuel L. Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr., a reformed hitman
- Production Start: Filming begins March 20, 2026, running through April 14 in North Texas
- Eight Episodes: All penned by Taylor Sheridan for Paramount+ streaming service
- Casting Locations: Fort Worth, Southlake, Keller, and Dallas with extensive local talent recruitment
The Legacy of Samuel L. Jackson’s First Leading TV Role
Samuel L. Jackson’s career has spanned five decades and included iconic performances in Pulp Fiction, Jurassic Park, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet this Texas production marks something entirely new. He’s stepping into his first-ever leading role for a television series. Jackson has appeared in countless hit shows, but never as the central character carrying an entire narrative universe forward.
The Tulsa King universe, created by Taylor Sheridan, continues its expansion. Sylvester Stallone, who stars in the parent show, appears as an executive producer here. Jackson joins him in that capacity, shaping the creative direction of Frisco King alongside series creator Sheridan. This collaborative approach reflects the caliber of talent Paramount+ has assembled for the spinoff.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Frisco King spinoff begins filming in North Texas
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From New York Prisons to Texas Dreams
The story centers on Russell Lee Washington Jr., a hitman who spent ten years in federal prison. There, he befriended Dwight Manfredi, Stallone’s character. When Washington is released, New York’s Renzetti crime family sends him to eliminate Dwight in Tulsa. Instead, Washington becomes inspired by Dwight’s success and second-chance mentality.
Jackson’s character abandons his violent past to pursue legitimacy in Frisco, Texas. The narrative explores redemption, transformation, and the possibility of breaking free from crime world expectations. Sheridan penned all eight episodes himself, ensuring a unified creative voice throughout the entire first season.
Massive Cast and Production Details
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | Early 2027 (or late 2026 at best) |
| Platform | Paramount+ |
| Episodes (Season 1) | Eight episodes |
| Creator/Writer | Taylor Sheridan (all 8 episodes) |
Asa Germann from Gen V plays Teddy, described as sharp and entrepreneurial despite his college dropout status. Kai Caster, known from Yellowstone, portrays valet Keith at a local hotel. Lilah Pate and Savanna Gann round out the core cast as cheerleaders London and Avery, who become part of Jackson’s crew.
“Having Samuel L. Jackson step into this universe is a testament to the scale and ambition of the storytelling Taylor is crafting.”
— Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+
North Texas Becomes Hollywood’s Biggest Set
Fort Worth, Southlake, Keller, and Dallas are hosting filming through April 14. Legacy Casting is recruiting hundreds of extras for courtroom scenes, baseball games, university student roles, and even specialized parts like gas station attendees and fraternity members. The production scale demonstrates Sheridan’s ambition for this universe.
Street closures and production crew presence will be visible throughout North Texas for the next four weeks. Local residents signed up to be part of Hollywood history as Jackson transforms a Texas city into Frisco through the lens of crime drama storytelling.
Can Redemption Stories Still Captivate Audiences in 2026?
The crime drama landscape has evolved dramatically since Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul concluded. Frisco King enters a market saturated with antiheroes and criminal narratives. What makes this spinoff different is the premise. Russell Lee Washington Jr. doesn’t seek power or dominance. Instead, he genuinely wants transformation and escape from his past.
Jackson brings gravitas and unexpected vulnerability to roles, as proven by decades of nuanced performances. Combined with Sheridan’s proven ability to craft compelling narratives across Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and Lioness, this series has genuine potential to break through crowded streaming noise. The question becomes whether 2027 audiences embrace a hitman seeking peace in Texas.
Sources
- Dallas Morning News – Taylor Sheridan casting extras for North Texas filming locations
- Paramount+ – Official production details and release strategy announcement
- Yahoo Entertainment/Parade – Cast information and comprehensive series overview
