Samuel L. Jackson has starred in a string of hit films. Now he’s set to headline a spinoff of a Paramount+ hit.
Jackson has signed up for his first leading role in a TV series and will also co-executive produce NOLA King, a spinoff of Tulsa King, the streamer announced in a press release on Thursday, July 17.
The actor will play ex-convict Russell Lee Washington Jr. who befriended Tulsa King‘s Dwight Manfredi (played by Sylvester Stallone) back in federal prison.
New York’s Renzetti family sends Washington to Tulsa to kill Dwight. Instead, Dwight inspires Washington to return to New Orleans after 40 years. Now the contract killing is off, and Washington has serious problems.
“He incurs the wrath of his former employers in New York, and makes himself vulnerable to old NOLA foes, both criminal and cop,” according to the official description.
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Paramount+ released a photo of Jackson and Stallone seated together at a reserved table and the two appear deep in thought.
“Samuel L. Jackson brings unparalleled presence and global appeal, making him the perfect choice to maximize the momentum of one of our biggest hits and transform it into a hit franchise,” Chris McCarthy, co-CEO of Paramount Global and President of Showtime/MTV Entertainment, said in a statement.
Stallone, who co-executive produces Tulsa King with creator Taylor Sheridan, revealed Paramount Global pitched the idea for a spinoff.
“I was immediately on board. Sam Jackson is the only choice to anchor this new adventure,” Stallone said.
In 2024, Tulsa King ranked as the #1 global Paramount+ original series, the streamer said.
Jackson’s character will be introduced on the upcoming third season of Tulsa King, which premieres in September.
In addition to Jackson, executive producers on the spinoff include Taylor Sheridan, Sylvester Stallone, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Michael Friedman, and Keith Cox.
The series is produced by MTV Entertainment.
Jackson is best known for his work in movies. He’s appeared in over 150 films, and is a frequent collaborator with directors Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino.
Jackson made history with Lee’s Jungle Fever when he was awarded the first and only supporting performance award at the Cannes Film Festival.
He’s appeared in Lee’s films Do The Right Thing, Chi-Raq, School Daze, Oldboy and Mo’ Better Blues; and Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Django Unchained, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Inglorious Basterds, and The Hateful Eight.
The actor has received a BAFTA Award (Pulp Fiction), two Independent Spirit Awards (Pulp Fiction and Eve’s Bayou), an Honorary Academy Award (2022), and multiple NAACP Image Awards.
His other film roles were in A Time to Kill, Eve’s Bayou, Snakes on a Plane, and he’s played “Nick Fury” in twelve Marvel films.
On television, Jackson has produced and taken roles in the limited series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey and most recently Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist alongside Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle.
Jackson’s career began on stage, with the Morehouse grad receiving a degree in dramatic arts.
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