Samuel L. Jackson trades Hollywood for crime boss role in new Paramount+ series, and the filming location demand he just made changes everything

Samuel L. Jackson is stepping into his first-ever leading television role with NOLA King, an ambitious new Paramount+ spinoff from acclaimed creator Taylor Sheridan. The legendary actor introduces his character in the third season of Tulsa King, which aired in September 2025, before heading south to helm his own crime saga set in New Orleans. This marks a major expansion of Sheridan’s sprawling prestige TV universe and a significant milestone for Jackson, who has dominated Hollywood for decades but now claims his throne in prestige television.

Jackson’s Character Receives a Prison-Forged Origin Story

Russell Lee Washington Jr. emerges as a seasoned hitman connected to New York’s powerful Renzetti crime family. The character’s backstory reveals a surprising bond with Dwight Manfredi, Stallone’s protagonist from Tulsa King. The two men formed an unbreakable friendship during a 10-year federal prison sentence, creating a loyalty that transcends mob obligations.

When Washington is initially ordered to eliminate Dwight in Tulsa King‘s season finale, he cannot bring himself to pull the trigger. This refusal puts him at odds with the ruthless Renzetti family, forcing him to flee New York. Inspired by Dwight’s transformation and success in building a new life in an unfamiliar city, Washington makes a pivotal decision—returning to New Orleans, the city he abandoned 40 years ago, to orchestrate his own reinvention.

The official show description captures the core tension: Washington aims to reconcile with estranged family, reconnect with old friends, and reclaim control of the criminal landscape. However, his ambitions immediately threaten his former New York employers and resurrect dangerous enemies from his NOLA past—both on the streets and within the police department.

Sheridan’s Growing Television Empire Expands Further South

This spinoff solidifies Taylor Sheridan‘s unprecedented dominance in prestige crime television. The acclaimed creator already oversees multiple successful franchises for Paramount+, including Yellowstone and its spinoffs, Mayor of Kingstown, and Landman. NOLA King represents yet another ambitious extension of his interconnected universe.

Stallone praised Sheridan’s vision during the announcement, stating the spinoff elevates Tulsa King beyond a mob boss series, creating a dynamic, family-driven franchise. The Creed star emphasized that Samuel L. Jackson remains the only choice capable of anchoring this expansion. Jackson, for his part, noted his enthusiasm for joining Sheridan’s ecosystem, revealing he keeps at least 15 Sheridan shows on his watchlist at any given time.

From Hollywood Icon to Prestige Television Lead

Category	Details
Lead Actor	Samuel L. Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr.
Series Type	Crime Drama / Spinoff from Tulsa King
Platform	Paramount+
Production Start	February 2026
Executive Producers	Taylor Sheridan, Sylvester Stallone, Samuel L. Jackson, David C. Glasser

For Jackson, NOLA King represents a watershed moment in his legendary career. In 2023, Guinness Book of World Records recognized him as the actor with the highest-grossing collective box office of all time, with his films generating over $7 billion in revenue. Yet despite appearing in more than 150 films spanning decades, this marks his first true headlining role in an ongoing television series as a lead character.

Jackson previously appeared in limited series like The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey on Apple TV+ and Marvel’s Secret Invasion, but NOLA King grants him unprecedented creative territory. Stallone acknowledged this milestone during interviews, noting that both actors have reached a career stage where they seek deeper, more grounded work. Having your own series allows for character development and narrative richness impossible during short film productions.

New Orleans Setting Demands Authentic Location Filming

Jackson has already voiced strong preferences about the production logistics. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in November 2025, he emphasized wanting the show to film authentically in New Orleans rather than taking advantage of cheaper tax incentive locations elsewhere. The actor questioned why producers would try to work cheap instead of capturing the authentic character of his hometown city.

This creative stance reflects Jackson’s commitment to bringing genuine atmosphere to the material. New Orleans’ distinct culture, architecture, music, and street life could provide visceral authenticity that a generic stand-in location cannot match. The city’s complex history with organized crime, family dynasties, and cultural pride naturally enriches a story about a man returning home after decades of absence to claim his legacy.

While Paramount+ has not yet officially confirmed the filming location, Jackson’s public advocacy signals the seriousness with which he approaches this project and his desire for production excellence despite budgetary pressures.

What Questions Remain About the Sheridan-Jackson Partnership?

Industry observers wonder what specific dynamic Jackson’s hard-edged sensibility will bring to Sheridan’s signature storytelling style. Sheridan excels at creating morally ambiguous characters operating within corrupt systems, and Jackson’s commanding presence could amplify the tension between Washington’s desire for redemption and the criminal infrastructure fighting his escape.

The supporting cast remains unannounced, leaving room for speculation about whether established Sheridan collaborators will appear or if NOLA King introduces entirely fresh talent. Additional questions linger about crossover potential—will Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi visit New Orleans, or do the stories remain geographically and narratively separate? How deeply will the Renzetti crime family’s New York operations factor into the plot? These mysteries will likely unfold when filming commences in early 2026.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter – Confirmed casting announcement and character details from July 2025
• Entertainment Weekly – Comprehensive NOLA King coverage and Jackson’s interview statements
• Variety – Production timeline and development updates