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Samuel L Jackson is diving into his biggest television role yet. The legendary actor begins filming Frisco King, a Tulsa King spinoff, in Fort Worth this month. This marks his first-ever leading TV role in a storied decades-long career.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Star: Samuel L Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr., hitman for New York mobsters
- Series: 8-episode first season, entirely written by Taylor Sheridan for Paramount+
- Filming: March through April 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas area
- Expected Premiere: Early 2027 on Paramount+ streaming platform
From NOLA King to Frisco King: A Major Rebrand
The show was initially titled NOLA King with plans to film in New Orleans. In early March 2026, Taylor Sheridan relocated the entire production to North Texas. The new location fits perfectly for Jackson’s character, who abandons organized crime to build his own empire in Frisco. The pivot shows how major productions adapt quickly to optimize storytelling and local production needs.
The relocation brings significant economic benefits to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Multiple streets in downtown Fort Worth closed during filming, including locations at the Tarrant County Courthouse. Production continues through late April 2026, with casting calls seeking extras for multiple shooting days.
Samuel L Jackson begins filming Frisco King spinoff in Fort Worth, his biggest TV role yet
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Jackson’s Historic First Step Into Television Leadership
Jackson has appeared in over 200 films, making him the most prolific actor in Hollywood by sheer filmography volume. Yet Frisco King represents his first true leading television role, not a supporting or guest appearance. Sources confirm this milestone moment reflects his legendary status spanning Pulp Fiction, Marvel‘s Nick Fury, Star Wars, and countless blockbusters. At 76 years old, Jackson demonstrates that major career pivots happen at any age.
The role positions Jackson alongside rising talent. Asa Germann, known for The Boys: Gen V, joins as series regular Teddy. The supporting cast includes Kai Caster, Lilah Pate, and Savanna Gann. This ensemble creates a dynamic blend of established stars and emerging actors under Sheridan’s proven creative direction.
The Crime Drama That Connects Everything
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | Early 2027 (TBA) |
| Platform | Paramount+ |
| Episode Count | 8 episodes, season 1 |
| Creator | Taylor Sheridan (all episodes written by Sheridan) |
Russell Lee Washington Jr. first appeared in Tulsa King season 3 last fall. Jackson’s character was originally sent to eliminate Dwight Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone. Instead, the two former prison mates formed an unexpected bond. The spinoff explores what happens when a hitman abandons mob contracts to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions in Texas instead of Louisiana.
“Jackson reprises his Tulsa King character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., a hitman who befriended Dwight in federal prison. Jackson continues to build worlds that attract some of the most extraordinary talent in the industry.”
— Paramount+, Official Series Announcement
Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Empire on Paramount Plus
Sheridan’s dominance at Paramount+ grows stronger with each announcement. The creator controls Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Tulsa King, and now Frisco King. Plus, Dutton Ranch joins the Yellowstone universe. His creative formula combines crime drama, character depth, and star power. With Jackson leading Frisco King, Paramount+ signals confidence in expanding scripted drama budgets and production scale across North Texas.
The eight-episode season structure allows Sheridan to craft a complete story arc without filler. Every episode receives his personal attention, raising quality expectations significantly. Paramount+ sees Jackson as a draw for subscribers seeking prestige television with established film talent. The timing confirms streaming’s shift toward bankable movie stars complementing original content strategies.
Will Samuel L Jackson’s TV Debut Change His Career Trajectory?
Jackson‘s entry into television leadership arrives at a pivotal moment. The actor has mentioned wanting meaty roles that showcase character depth over action. Russell Lee Washington Jr. offers exactly that opportunity. A complex hitman building legitimate business interests provides layers to explore across eight episodes. Jackson’s screen presence combined with Sheridan’s writing could set new standards for prestige television drama.
Expect Frisco King to generate major awards buzz during 2027 television season. Jackson’s penchant for elevating material meets Sheridan’s track record of critical respect. The ripple effects could inspire other A-list film actors to consider televised leading roles. Fort Worth becomes the launching pad for what could reshape how major studios view streaming television and celebrity attachments.
Sources
- Paramount+ – Official series announcement and cast details for Frisco King spinoff
- Variety – Casting details and Asa Germann series regular role confirmation
- Dallas News – Fort Worth filming schedule and street closure information
