Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Tulsa King’ Features a Surprising MCU Reunion with Marvel Cast

Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ crime drama has earned acclaim for its gritty mob narratives and its charismatic lead. What many viewers might not realize is that the cast of ‘Tulsa King’ resembles a subtle Marvel reunion. Several stars from the show have previously donned the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s colors, with some roles still fondly remembered by fans.

The series made its return for Season 4 on Oct. 16, featuring Sylvester Stallone reprising his role as Dwight ‘The General’ Manfredi, a New York mafia capo tasked with establishing a criminal empire in Oklahoma. The cast includes Martin Starr, Frank Grillo, and Neal McDonough, with Samuel L. Jackson joining in Season 3 as hitman Russell Lee Washington Jr.

When you line up these names, a pattern becomes evident. At least five actors from the ‘Tulsa King’ universe have portrayed Marvel Comics characters in the MCU: Stallone as Stakar Ogord, Grillo as Crossbones, Starr as Roger Harrington, McDonough as Dum Dum Dugan, and Jackson as Nick Fury.

Stallone made his MCU debut in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,’ where he portrayed Stakar Ogord, a legendary Ravager captain who had previously banished Yondu. Comic book fans quickly recognized him as Starhawk, one of the original Guardians. He returned in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ appearing in his Starhawk attire.

In ‘Tulsa King,’ he takes on a very different leadership role. As Dwight Manfredi, he is a mob veteran who spent 25 years in prison before being sent to Tulsa to create a new life.

Two of Stallone’s co-stars hail from the same Marvel universe. Frank Grillo portrayed Brock Rumlow, the Hydra agent in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ and returned as the villain Crossbones in ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ He also made a cameo in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and voiced Crossbones in the animated series ‘What If…?’.

In ‘Tulsa King,’ Grillo plays Bill Bevilaqua, a role he took on in Season 2. He reportedly considered leaving the show before Season 4, but Stallone personally reached out to persuade him to stay.

Neal McDonough has an even deeper connection to Captain America. He played Howling Commandos leader Timothy ‘Dum Dum’ Dugan in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ and later reprised the role in ‘Agent Carter,’ ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,’ and ‘What If…?’. In ‘Tulsa King,’ he portrays the powerful and extremely territorial businessman Cal Thresher.

Martin Starr’s MCU background may surprise even the most dedicated fans. He played Roger Harrington, Peter Parker’s teacher and academic decathlon coach, in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming,’ ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’

His Marvel history dates back even further, to a minor role as a computer nerd in 2008’s ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ which was later identified as the same character. In ‘Tulsa King,’ Starr plays Lawrence ‘Bodhi’ Geigerman, the owner of the weed shop Dwight encounters shortly after arriving in Tulsa.

FIRST LOOK: Tulsa King Season 4 dropped its trailer & it’s scheduled to premiere on Friday, October 16th, with new episodes releasing on a weekly basis. I honestly have no idea who I’ve become. I find myself watching yet another Taylor Sheridan show. But it’s important to remember that Terence Winter, the same man who helped write The Sopranos, The Wolf of Wall Street & Boardwalk Empire is helping to write this season. Winter is as good as it gets when it comes to writers. What’s more is that Sylvester Stallone is 80 years old & still acting. Stallone will always hold a special place in my heart. Part of my love of Cinema came from him. He’s Rocky. He’s Rambo. He’s also amazing in The Tulsa King. Just the fact Sly is still acting & doing his thing at this age is something I really appreciate & respect. It’s also the reason I’ll be tuning in October 16th.

— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) September 3, 2026

The most prominent Marvel name in the group is Samuel L. Jackson. He has portrayed Nick Fury in 12 films and 3 series, setting a record for appearances in the MCU, starting with 2008’s ‘Iron Man’ and including a lead role in ‘Secret Invasion.’

In ‘Tulsa King’ Season 3, Jackson plays Russell Lee Washington Jr., a friend Dwight made during his time in federal prison who is sent to Tulsa to eliminate him. The character proved popular enough to warrant a spinoff, originally announced as ‘NOLA King,’ and Paramount is now developing ‘Frisco King’ with Jackson in the lead.

This crossover isn’t merely coincidental; it highlights the number of veteran character actors who navigate both Marvel and Sheridan’s expanding television universe. McDonough had previously collaborated with Sheridan, appearing in the second season of ‘Yellowstone,’ while both Stallone and Jackson serve as executive producers on the spinoff.

For viewers, this connection adds an entertaining layer to the series. The next time Dwight gathers with his crew, you might find yourself imagining a Ravager captain, a Hydra enforcer, a high school teacher, a World War II commando, and the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. all in one room.

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