Sylvester Stallone Discusses the Shocking Twist in ‘Tulsa King’ Season 4 Premiere

Dwight Manfredi has dedicated three seasons to building his empire in Oklahoma, and the latest season of ‘Tulsa King’ quickly puts that to the test. The fourth season premiered on October 16 on Paramount+, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays.

Produced by Taylor Sheridan, this gripping drama features Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York mafia capo who was exiled to Tulsa after spending 25 years in prison. This marked Stallone’s first leading role in a scripted television series, and it has become one of Paramount+’s standout hits, with the second-season premiere attracting a record 21.1 million global streaming viewers.

In this season, Dwight strives to legitimize his empire while facing corrupt politicians, new dangerous foes, and a devastating personal loss. The premiere episode, titled “W.W.D.D.,” makes this clear right from the start.

The episode opens with Dwight in peak condition as he travels to New York City for a national meeting of mafia bosses, proudly declaring that he represents “the Manfredi family of Tulsa,” while his crew thrives back home. However, it’s evident that James Russo’s Quiet Ray will continue to be a thorn in his side.

The episode concludes with Dwight losing both his girlfriend and a powerful political ally. Stallone shared that this was intentional, aiming to leave viewers stunned. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he expressed his desire for the audience to be shocked and mentioned that he pushed the limits with the characters who met their demise.

He likened the episode’s structure to a horror film, where just when you think it’s safe, everything falls apart. Dwight had the governor on his side and a loving girlfriend, but suddenly, it all disappears, replaced by someone who despises him. This shock is meant to establish the central conflict of the season.

Stallone also mentioned that he wants this season to embody a sense of violence reminiscent of ‘Rambo’, featuring villains who truly get what they deserve. This aligns with the darker tone the show has promised, indicating that Dwight is about to face his most perilous challenges yet.

In a separate preview, Stallone hinted at rising tensions between Tulsa and the gangs in New York City, leading to what he cryptically described as an intriguing climax. He also noted that Dwight’s ongoing cat-and-mouse game with FBI Agent Musso, played by Kevin Pollak, will reach a critical point this season.

This season introduces a mysterious newcomer, whom Stallone characterized as one of the most dangerous and unpredictable characters the show has ever seen. Gretchen Mol joins the main cast as Amanda Clark, a politician in Tulsa, while Richie Stephens portrays English Dan, a rival crime supplier eyeing Dwight’s territory.

Returning cast members include Martin Starr, Jay Will, Vincent Piazza, Annabella Sciorra, Frank Grillo, Neal McDonough, Garrett Hedlund, and Dana Delany. Terence Winter serves as the head writer and executive producer, alongside Sheridan, Stallone, and others.

A new trailer for Tulsa King Season 4 is here, and Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi is facing another round of trouble as his empire continues to grow. Get your first look at Season 4 and find out when Tulsa King returns. #TulsaKing https://t.co/RzyxMZYr3r

— CBR (@CBR) September 1, 2026

One of the pressing questions is where the series will head next. Although a fifth season has not been officially confirmed, a writers’ room for it opened in June, and the show is reportedly considering a move to New York for filming, departing from Atlanta where it has filmed most of its first four seasons. Stallone hinted at this direction while discussing the finale, setting the stage for a larger conflict with New York.

The franchise is also expanding, with Paramount developing a spinoff titled ‘Frisco King’, featuring Samuel L. Jackson as hitman Russell Lee Washington Jr. This spinoff finished shooting earlier this summer and currently lacks a premiere date. The character was first introduced in ‘Tulsa King’ Season 3.

By removing Dwight’s two key supporters, the show raises the stakes significantly. His empire may be larger than ever, but his personal support system has vanished, and both his enemies in New York and Tulsa are aware of this vulnerability. Stallone’s comments suggest that the show’s most daunting challenges are still ahead, and this loss is merely the beginning.

For fans, this indicates a season filled with increased violence, political intrigue, and a Dwight who may be more dangerous than ever. The first episode establishes that no one is safe, and Stallone is prepared to take the show in a darker direction.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!