A New Reign: From Bayou to Lone Star State
Relocation and Renaming of the Spinoff Series
The much-anticipated extension of 'Tulsa King', initially conceived as 'NOLA King' with New Orleans as its backdrop, has been officially confirmed to transition its production to Texas. This geographical change also brings a fresh identity to the series, which will now be recognized as 'Frisco King'. This adjustment marks a pivotal moment in the development of the new show.
Samuel L. Jackson's Central Role and Character Introduction
At the heart of 'Frisco King' will be the esteemed actor Samuel L. Jackson, taking on the lead role of Russell Lee Washington Jr. This character made his debut during the third season of the parent series, 'Tulsa King', which stars Sylvester Stallone. Jackson's involvement promises to add significant star power and depth to the narrative.
Taylor Sheridan's Enhanced Creative Involvement
In a notable development, the prolific creator Taylor Sheridan, known for his distinctive storytelling, is slated to write all eight episodes of the debut season of 'Frisco King'. This deeper level of creative engagement from Sheridan signals a strong commitment to shaping the narrative and ensuring its alignment with his signature style.
Production Details and Executive Team
The production of 'Frisco King' is a collaborative effort between Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios. The executive production team boasts an impressive roster, including Sheridan, Stallone, and Jackson themselves. They are joined by industry veterans such as David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Christina Alexandra Voros, Michael Friedman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Keith Cox, ensuring a robust leadership for the series.
Showrunner Transition and Production Timeline
Initially, Dave Erickson, the showrunner for the third season of 'Tulsa King', was set to helm 'NOLA King'. However, due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Erickson has stepped down, leading to Sheridan assuming the writing responsibilities. Filming for 'Frisco King' is scheduled to commence in late March, with Fort Worth, Texas, serving as the primary production location.
Paramount+'s Enthusiasm and Vision for the Series
Jane Wiseman, the head of originals at Paramount+, expressed immense excitement about the project. She highlighted Taylor Sheridan's consistent ability to craft compelling narratives that attract top-tier talent. Wiseman emphasized that Samuel L. Jackson's participation is a testament to the grand scale and ambitious vision inherent in Sheridan's storytelling, and the platform is eager to expand the 'Tulsa King' universe with such a formidable creative team and cast.