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- 🔥 Quick Facts
- Jackson’s First-Ever Leading TV Role Promises Award-Winning Drama
- Tulsa King’s Breakout Character Becomes the Center of His Own Universe
- Taylor Sheridan Controls Every Episode with Full Writing Duties
- Previously Known as NOLA King, The Show Gets a Geographic Rebrand with Fresh Direction
- What Does Jackson’s Frisco King Mean for Television’s Future?
Samuel L. Jackson just secured his most ambitious television role yet. The legendary actor lands the lead in Frisco King, an exciting spinoff from the hit Paramount+ series Tulsa King. Production kicks off in late March 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas, marking a significant milestone in Jackson’s storied career.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Lead Role: Samuel L. Jackson stars as Russell Lee Washington Jr., a hitman turned entrepreneur, in his first major TV leading role.
- Eight Episodes: Creator Taylor Sheridan will write all eight episodes of Frisco King Season 1, ensuring singular creative vision.
- Texas Filming: Production begins late March 2026 in Fort Worth, where Sheridan and collaborator David C. Glasser operate a production campus.
- Paramount+ Platform: The spinoff streams exclusively on Paramount+, continuing the Tulsa King universe with fresh storytelling.
Jackson’s First-Ever Leading TV Role Promises Award-Winning Drama
Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in over 100 films, dominated the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nick Fury, and earned an Oscar nomination for Pulp Fiction. Yet Frisco King marks his first-ever leading role in a television series. Jackson’s character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., was introduced in Tulsa King Season 3 as a distinguished hitman. Now, he gets his own story in the Texas-based spinoff. The legendary actor joins co-creator Taylor Sheridan alongside Tulsa King star Sylvester Stallone as executive producer, creating an A-list powerhouse collaboration.
Tulsa King’s Breakout Character Becomes the Center of His Own Universe
Jackson’s character, Lee, befriended Dwight Manfredi (Stallone) decades ago in federal prison. According to Paramount+, Lee is described as a man of honor and the best hitman there ever was. After declining an assignment to kill Dwight, Lee decides to leave New York organized crime and build a fresh life in Frisco, Texas. The spinoff explores Lee’s journey from hitman to entrepreneur. This expansion of Tulsa King’s universe delivers exactly what fans wanted after Jackson’s standout guest appearances in Season 3.
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Taylor Sheridan Controls Every Episode with Full Writing Duties
Taylor Sheridan, the creative mastermind behind Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstead, and Lioness, takes complete creative control of Frisco King. Sheridan will write all eight episodes of the debut season, a significant commitment that underscores his investment in Jackson’s character. No showrunner has been announced yet. Sheridan’s previous work demonstrates his ability to craft compelling narratives centered on morally complex characters. For Frisco King, he delivers singular creative vision across the entire first season, ensuring consistency and depth. Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+, stated that Jackson’s involvement proves the scale and ambition of Taylor’s storytelling.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | TBA (Premiere date not yet announced) |
| Streaming Platform | Paramount+ |
| Episode Count | Eight episodes for Season 1 |
| Production Location | Fort Worth, Texas (filming begins late March 2026) |
“Taylor Sheridan continues to build worlds that attract some of the most iconic talent working today, and Frisco King is no exception.”
— Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+
Previously Known as NOLA King, The Show Gets a Geographic Rebrand with Fresh Direction
The original concept, titled NOLA King, was set in New Orleans with a pilot script by Dave Erickson. Erickson departed in July 2025 as showrunner, prompting a creative overhaul. Sheridan and Paramount Television Studios reimagined the entire project, moving the setting to Frisco, Texas and renaming it accordingly. This strategic shift brought Sheridan on board to write the full season. Russell Lee Washington Jr. hails from New Orleans, but his new life unfolds in the booming Dallas suburb. The rebrand represents Paramount’s confidence in Jackson as a leading man and Sheridan’s vision for the character’s evolution.
What Does Jackson’s Frisco King Mean for Television’s Future?
Samuel L. Jackson stepping into a leading television role at this stage of his career signals Hollywood’s recognition of his unmatched star power and versatility. Jackson’s net worth exceeds $250 million, but his primary focus has been film franchises like Marvel and other blockbusters. Frisco King represents a strategic move into prestige television. Paramount+ benefits enormously from casting him, while fans of Tulsa King gain depth and expansion into the universe. The collaboration among Jackson, Sheridan, Stallone, and Paramount+ creates an unprecedented opportunity for quality storytelling. Does Jackson’s transition to television signal a broader shift, where A-list film stars increasingly embrace streaming drama?
Sources
- Deadline Hollywood – Comprehensive reporting on the production rebrand and Taylor Sheridan’s involvement
- Paramount+ Official Site – Details on the series plotline, character background, and streaming information
- Variety – Coverage of the creative changes and casting announcement











