The new Paramount+ series Tulsa King is a gritty, crime-drama fan’s dream come true. Written by Oscar-nominee Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone) and Terence Winter (The Sopranos), and starring Sylvester Stallone, this series marks a wholly unique concept in the onscreen mafia underworld. Chronicling the journey of Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone), a mafia capo recently released from prison after 25 years, Tulsa King moves from the big city domains audiences are accustomed to seeing gangsters lording over, to a location down south. Displaced by his family, who claim there’s nothing for him in New York, Manfredi is relocated to a territory in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he’s meant to establish the mob’s presence.
During his interview with Collider’s Editor-in-Chief Steve Weintraub, Stallone delved into the idea of owning the projects he’s a part of, whether it be tweaking scripts to feel more natural, or ad-libbing when necessary. He discusses how with Tulsa King, Stallone wanted to incorporate more of his own personality and style to make the character of Manfredi more rounded to audiences, though Stallone assures us he can still “go gangster on you.” He also shares which of his films he’d suggest to first-time fans (hint: it isn’t Rocky) and talks directing Tulsa King episodes, should a second season be ordered.
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