Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Tulsa King season 1 finale
Paramount Global’s chief programming officer Tanya Giles suggests that Tulsa King could start its own universe. The show centers around mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone), who is stationed in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a 25-year prison sentence. Premiering in November 2022, season 1 earned strong ratings and praise for Stallone’s performance. Tulsa King was renewed for another season shortly after episode 2.
Giles shares with IndieWire that Tulsa King has the potential to kick off its own universe. In addressing the show’s success for Paramount+, she says that there are ample possibilities at the hands of show creator Taylor Sheridan, in the form of perhaps “universes” and “backstories.” She indicates that there will be “more to come.” Take a look at Giles’ full quote below:
The huge success we’ve had with “Tulsa King” and Sylvester Stallone opens up possibilities with Taylor Sheridan, who consistently, his mind works in terms of universes and backstories, so I think there’s always a possibility that there’s more to that universe and more to that story. More to come there.
How Taylor Sheridan Could Expand A Tulsa King Universe
Starting off as an actor, Sheridan gained recognition as a filmmaker for the critically acclaimed Sicario and Hell or High Water. In his television work, Sheridan has single-handedly created an empire of scripted television shows for Paramount+, which include the likes of Yellowstone and The Mayor of Kingstown. The recent success of Tulsa King further proves that he’s on a hot streak. With Yellowstone, Sheridan was able to create an ever-growing franchise, leading to the hit prequel series 1883 and 1923. His ability to mold compelling characters, tackle unique settings and subvert expectations are key as he expands the world of his stories.
As for a Tulsa King franchise, there are a number of story directions that could revolve around or tangentially relate to the Manfredi Syndicate. It could be interesting to explore Dwight’s earlier years in the mafia prior to serving his sentence. Or, a young Dwight could play a supporting character in a series centering around the formation or growth of the Ivernizzi crime family. Other Tulsa King regulars like Mitch (Garrett Hedlund), Tyson (Jay Will), or Dwight’s daughter Tina (Tatiana Zappardino) could also make for intriguing spin-offs, whether set in the past, present, or future. With Sheridan as a driving force, Paramount+ may very well soon have another winning franchise on its hands.
Season 1 of Tulsa King closes with Stacy turning over Dwight’s operation to ATF authorities — and season 2 will likely see him searching for a way out of his legal troubles. Additionally, Chickie (Domenick Lombardozzi) is anticipated to make a comeback to seek revenge against Dwight. All possibilities nonetheless remain speculation with no other news confirmed about the show’s future. Viewers can expect that the further success of Tulsa King season 2 could, however, pave the way for an exciting new universe.
Source: IndieWire