Sylvester Stallone Was ‘Nervous’ to Work with Samuel L. Jackson in “Tulsa King”: ‘Like 2 Boxers in a Ring’ (Exclusive)

Sylvester Stallone Overcomes Nerves to Collaborate with Samuel L. Jackson in Tulsa King

Renowned actor Sylvester Stallone recently opened up about his initial apprehensions when working alongside Samuel L. Jackson on the hit drama series, Tulsa King. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Stallone expressed feeling a sense of pressure upon learning that Jackson would be joining the cast for the show’s third season, now available for streaming on Paramount+.

Stallone, who portrays mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi in all three seasons of Tulsa King, revealed that despite both actors residing as neighbors for nearly 30 years, this was their first time collaborating on-screen. The prospect of working with Jackson led Stallone to liken their dynamic to that of two boxers in a ring, anticipating a fierce battle. He recounted, “When I heard that was gonna happen, I went, ‘Oh, this is gonna be a fist fight. This is gonna be a battle.'”

However, Stallone’s nerves were quickly dispelled upon meeting Jackson on set. He shared, “Once he walks in, he goes, ‘Hey, dude brother,’ and I went, ‘Oh, here it goes.’ But now we’re good. Now we’re flowing.” Their chemistry was so natural that Stallone quipped about starring in a spin-off show named “Tulsa King and Buddy” due to their seamless collaboration.

Despite their parallel careers taking different trajectories, Stallone noted a shared turning point in their journeys. Reflecting on his own evolution from struggling actor to Oscar winner, Stallone expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has embraced wholeheartedly. He mused, “When you lay back and you’re looking [at your life], you just say, ‘Dear Lord, I tried my best.’ I didn’t hold back anything. So that’s really what my legacy is, that I didn’t quit.”

As Tulsa King continues to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative, Stallone and Jackson’s on-screen partnership serves as a testament to their long-standing camaraderie despite their paths not intersecting earlier in their careers. The success of their collaboration highlights the significance of embracing new challenges and forging meaningful connections in the entertainment industry.

The journey of Sylvester Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson serves as a reminder of the power of unity and collaboration, transcending initial apprehensions to create memorable performances on-screen. As Tulsa King continues to enthrall viewers with its gripping storytelling, Stallone and Jackson’s on-screen chemistry stands as a testament to the enduring impact of authentic connections in the realm of entertainment.

In conclusion, the dynamic between Stallone and Jackson in Tulsa King exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration and the bonds formed through shared experiences, transcending career milestones to cultivate meaningful connections in the entertainment landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as Tulsa King Season 3 unfolds on Paramount+, bringing forth a compelling narrative brought to life by the synergy of two legendary actors.