Samuel L. Jackson is stepping into his first-ever TV lead role. Paramount+ announced NOLA King on July 17, 2025. The spinoff comes from Tulsa King creator Taylor Sheridan. Jackson plays Russell Lee Washington Jr., an ex-con returning to New Orleans after 40 years.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Jackson’s character debuts in Tulsa King Season 3 (premiered Sept. 21, 2025)
- Set in New Orleans, the crime drama expands Taylor Sheridan’s Universe
- Production begins early 2026 with no premiere date yet confirmed
- Sylvester Stallone stars in parent series; initially nervous about working with Jackson
- First time Jackson leads a drama series on television
What This Career Shift Means
Jackson is one of Hollywood’s busiest actors with 150+ film roles. Yet television has remained largely untapped territory for him. His previous TV work included voice acting in Afro Samurai and guest appearances. NOLA King marks a genuine turning point for the legendary performer.
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Jackson expressed excitement about joining Sheridan’s crime universe. He told Collider: “I’m really happy to be in that universe.” The actor recognizes the opportunity to develop a leading character over multiple seasons, something film roles rarely allow.
Russell Lee Washington Jr. and the Plot Setup
Jackson’s character Russell Lee Washington Jr. operates as a bridge between Tulsa King and its spinoff. In Tulsa King Season 3, he arrives as an antagonist sent to confront Dwight Manfredi (played by Stallone). Their prison connection sets up the spinoff’s premise.
| Character Details | Information |
| Name | Russell Lee Washington Jr. |
| Role Type | Ex-con with crime world history |
| Spinoff Focus | Returns to New Orleans after 40 years |
| Series Debut | Tulsa King Season 3, Sept. 2025 |
| Platform | Paramount+ exclusive series |
After being inspired by what Dwight accomplishes in Tulsa, Russell decides to reclaim control of New Orleans. The spinoff explores his rise in the city’s crime underworld, giving Jackson substantial dramatic range.
Why This Matters for Jackson’s Career
Television commitments require sustained character work across seasons. Jackson has historically avoided this format. But NOLA King positions him as an aging antiheroes entering his legacy phase.
Jackson leverages his screen presence and experience into a complex lead. His previous TV credits included brief appearances in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and voice work. NOLA King represents something entirely different: a sprawling crime narrative centered entirely on him.
“I’m really happy to be in that universe.”
What’s Coming Next for the Franchise
Tulsa King Season 3 currently airs Sundays on Paramount+. New episodes release weekly as Jackson integrates his character into the established dynamics. Fans get to observe him working alongside Stallone before the spinoff launches independently.
- Season 3 features Jackson as major antagonist through the current episodes
- NOLA King production kicks off early 2026 in Louisiana
- No premiere date announced yet but expect late 2026 or early 2027
- Taylor Sheridan expands his crime universe across multiple platforms
- Stallone reprises Dwight Manfredi for crossover potential
The Sheridan Universe now includes Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Landman, and soon NOLA King. This expansion reflects Paramount+’s commitment to serialized crime storytelling across geography and characters.
Will Samuel L. Jackson’s Age and Experience Transform TV Drama?
Jackson turns 76 in December.
His casting breaks traditional television patterns. Most premium dramas center younger leads building legacies. Jackson arrives already legendary, seeking worthy material for his remaining active years. Russell Lee Washington Jr. offers that: a morally complex character navigating power, family, and consequence.
Fans wonder whether Jackson will anchor NOLA King or appear intermittently. The spinoff structure suggests him as primary focus. This contrasts with his MCU appearances as Nick Fury, where brief scenes dominate. Television demands presence across episodic storytelling.
Will his investment in NOLA King inspire other A-list film actors toward television leads? That remains uncertain. But his choice signals that prestigious streaming platforms now compete equally with cinema for top-tier talent.
Sources
- Paramount Press Express – Official NOLA King greenlight announcement
- Variety – Tulsa King spinoff confirmation with Jackson cast
- Collider – Samuel L. Jackson interview on joining Taylor Sheridan universe
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.