Samuel L. Jackson is set to take on his first leading role in a television series with the upcoming Paramount+ spinoff titled NOLA King, announced on July 17, 2025. This new series is a creation of Taylor Sheridan, known for his work on Tulsa King. Jackson will portray Russell Lee Washington Jr., an ex-convict returning to New Orleans after a 40-year absence, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career.
The character of Russell Lee Washington Jr. will be introduced in the third season of Tulsa King, which premiered on September 21, 2025. This crime drama serves as a stretch of Sheridan’s expanding television universe, which includes popular titles like Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown. As Jackson’s character, Washington Jr., steps into the storyline, he will clash with Sylvester Stallone’s character, Dwight Manfredi, establishing a connection that will delve into the complexities of their past while setting the stage for the spinoff.
This move into television is particularly notable for Jackson, who has been one of Hollywood’s busiest actors, with over 150 film roles to his name. While he has made guest appearances and done voice work for television, NOLA King represents a major transition for him, allowing the actor a chance to foster a character over multiple seasons—something seldom afforded in films. Jackson has expressed his enthusiasm for joining this unique narrative universe, emphasizing the chance to develop Russell Lee Washington Jr. as a rich, multi-dimensional character.
Production for NOLA King is expected to begin in early 2026, although a premiere date has yet to be confirmed. This spinoff will explore Washington Jr.’s ambitions to reclaim power in New Orleans’ criminal underbelly, offering Jackson the opportunity to showcase his dramatic range as he navigates the themes of power, family, and consequences.
As Jackson approaches his 76th birthday in December, this role marks a transition to perhaps his most complex character yet—an aging antihero seeking to leave a legacy. His presence in NOLA King could not only shape a new chapter in his career but may also pave the way for other iconic film actors to take on lead roles in television, a medium that increasingly challenges traditional cinema in attracting top-tier talent.
With Jackson’s experiences and the sprawling crime narrative at play, NOLA King holds promise not just for thrilling storytelling, but also for reimagining how prominent actors can interact with serialized stories. As fans anticipate the spinoff, they will first watch Jackson’s character unfold in Tulsa King Season 3, where he plays a significant role in the ongoing drama. The project reflects the broader commitment by Paramount+ to deliver compelling serialized stories that resonate across multiple platforms.