Sylvester Stallone’s Tulsa King: A New Chapter in TV and Mob Drama

Tulsa King marks a significant milestone in Sylvester Stallone’s illustrious career—his first leading role in a scripted television series. Portraying Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a seasoned New York mobster exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stallone embarks on a mission to build a new criminal empire in unfamiliar territory.

Transitioning from film to television presented unique challenges for Stallone. He noted that filming a TV series demanded more time and effort than his previous movie roles, requiring endurance and adaptability over longer production schedules.

Stallone took an active role in shaping his character’s visual identity. Personally selecting wardrobe elements such as bolo ties, jewelry, and shoes, he crafted an authentic style inspired by infamous real-life mobsters like John Gotti and members of the Gambino crime family. This attention to detail enriched Dwight Manfredi’s persona and grounded the series in mob culture realism.

However, the production was not without controversy. In 2024, casting director Rose Locke resigned, alleging that Stallone and director Craig Zisk made derogatory remarks about background actors, seeking “pretty young girls” over others and referring to some as “ugly.” Zisk denied these claims, attributing Locke’s departure to disputes over casting choices.

Filming initially took place primarily in Oklahoma but shifted to Georgia for the second season, driven by budget considerations and complaints about extreme Oklahoma temperatures. The third season, which began production in March 2025, is split between Atlanta and Oklahoma, balancing logistical and creative needs.

Adding a personal touch to the show, Stallone’s daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone, appears as Spencer—a barista and stable hand who becomes entangled in Dwight’s operations—marking a family collaboration on screen.

Stallone encouraged improvisation among the cast to heighten the show’s humor and authenticity. Actor Michael Beach praised Stallone’s supportive approach, especially towards newer actors, helping them develop their characters and discover comedic moments.

The production team demonstrated creative ingenuity in set design. For example, mirrors were cleverly used in a strip club scene to expand the visual space, and the dispensary “The Higher Plane” was uniquely constructed inside a repurposed Texaco gas station.

Beyond acting, Stallone’s involvement was comprehensive—contributing as writer, director, producer, and editor. His hands-on influence shaped multiple facets of the series, underscoring his commitment to the project.

Initially titled Kansas City and set in Missouri, co-creator Taylor Sheridan relocated the story to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to provide a more remote and compelling backdrop, resulting in the final title, Tulsa King.

With its blend of gritty mob drama, character-driven storytelling, and Stallone’s multifaceted involvement, Tulsa King represents a fresh and ambitious entry in the world of television crime series, reflecting both the star’s evolution and the genre’s enduring appeal.