Samuel L. Jackson is stepping into his first major television lead role with NOLA King, a thrilling new spinoff. The Paramount+ series marks a major milestone in the legendary actor’s career. After decades dominating film, Jackson brings raw intensity to The Big Easy.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Series: NOLA King is the first spinoff of Taylor Sheridan’s hit crime drama Tulsa King, premiered on Paramount+ with a straight-to-series order in July 2025
- Jackson’s Role: Plays Russell Lee Washington Jr., an aging hitman on the run from the New York mob after 40 years away
- Setting: Based in New Orleans, where Jackson’s character attempts to reinvent himself in the crime underworld
- Production: Filming begins February 2026, with release expected in fall 2026 on Paramount+
A Historic Career Milestone for the Hollywood Icon
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Samuel L. Jackson has conquered movies with over 150 films to his name, but NOLA King represents his first television series as a lead. The legendary actor originally appeared on screen in TV episodes like Movin’ On, but never carried an entire series as the protagonist. This Paramount+ opportunity marks a watershed moment. Jackson expressed genuine enthusiasm for joining Taylor Sheridan’s expanding crime universe, citing deep respect for the creator’s work ethic and storytelling vision. At this stage in his career, Jackson selected this role deliberately, seeking fresh creative challenges in the prestige television space.
From Tulsa King to The Big Easy: How It All Began
Jackson’s character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., debuted in Tulsa King Season 3, setting up his spinoff perfectly. The aging hitman befriends the main character Dwight in prison, creating narrative tension that carries the story forward. Sent initially to kill him, Russell instead finds inspiration for personal redemption. After spending 40 years away from his hometown, he decides to return to New Orleans to start fresh. This compelling backstory provides rich material for exploration. The spinoff follows Russell‘s attempt to navigate underworld politics while reinventing himself in the Big Easy, parallel to Dwight’s Tulsa journey.
NOLA King Production Details and Creative Team
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Producer Dave Erickson developed the pilot script and served as showrunner, bringing expertise from Taylor Sheridan’s Mayor of Kingstown. The production team includes Paramount+ executives alongside Sylvester Stallone, who executive produces, lending his crime drama credibility. Taylor Sheridan handles executive production duties, maintaining creative control over his expanding universe. Jackson also executive produces, signaling his deep investment in the project’s direction. Filming commences in February 2026 at various New Orleans locations, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the Louisiana bayou. The project received straight-to-series order status instead of pilot development, demonstrating Paramount’s confidence.
| Detail | Information |
| Streaming Platform | Paramount+ |
| Lead Actor | Samuel L. Jackson |
| Production Start | February 2026 |
| Expected Release | Fall 2026 |
“I’m really happy to be in that universe. Taylor Sheridan creates these incredible worlds where characters breathe and stories matter.”
— Samuel L. Jackson, on joining the Sheridan-verse
Why This Role Matters: Jackson’s Next Chapter
At this point in his career, Samuel L. Jackson selects projects based on artistic merit over paychecks. NOLA King offers complex character exploration impossible in films. Playing Russell allows Jackson to showcase vulnerability alongside menace, creating psychological depth. The New Orleans setting provides visual richness. Paramount+ invests heavily in prestige television, affording cinematic production values. Taylor Sheridan‘s track record with Yellowstone, 1883, and Tulsa King demonstrates his mastery of ensemble crime drama. Working with acclaimed production teams elevates Jackson’s television debut significantly. This role positions him alongside Sylvester Stallone‘s successes on screen.
Will Samuel L. Jackson’s NOLA King Lead the Streaming Wars?
Paramount+ faces fierce competition from Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+. Investing in Samuel L. Jackson‘s first television lead shows confidence in the Sheridan-verse expansion strategy. The Tulsa King audience provides built-in viewership. Jackson brings significant name recognition and fan loyalty. Critics anticipate strong promotional campaigns. However, streaming landscapes shift constantly. Release timing in fall 2026 positions the show against major television returns. Will audiences embrace Russell Washington’s criminal odyssey? Can Jackson translate movie stardom into television dominance? These questions hint at the stakes involved, with Paramount’s confidence suggesting they believe in the project’s potential to capture mainstream attention.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.