Samuel L. Jackson’s long-developing spinoff of the Paramount+ crime drama has officially moved forward under a new title and with a new setting. Originally announced as “NOLA King,” the project will now be called “Frisco King,” and production is scheduled to begin next month in Fort Worth, Texas. The change not only reflects a creative shift in the direction of the series but also signals a renewed commitment from the studio, with series creator Taylor Sheridan taking on an expanded role behind the scenes.

Paramount+ confirmed that Sheridan, who created Tulsa King, will write all eight episodes of the first season of “Frisco King.” The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios. This development comes seven months after it was first reported that the original showrunner of the spinoff, Dave Erickson, had exited the project while it was still operating under the title “NOLA King.” With Sheridan now penning the entire season himself, the production appears to be consolidating its creative vision under the voice that launched the original series.

Matt Thunell, president of Paramount Television Studios, expressed enthusiasm about Sheridan’s deeper involvement. He stated that the studio is honored to have Sheridan write the inaugural season and bring Samuel L. Jackson’s character fully to life. According to Thunell, Sheridan’s distinctive storytelling voice will offer a special experience for fans of the parent series and viewers worldwide. The move is being positioned as a significant creative upgrade, emphasizing continuity with the tone and style that made “Tulsa King” successful.

The shift in title from “NOLA King” to “Frisco King” also comes with a relocation of the story’s primary setting. While the earlier concept envisioned the series taking place in New Orleans, the reimagined version will be centered mainly in Frisco, Texas. Insiders have indicated that the show may still briefly visit New Orleans, but most of the narrative will now unfold in and around Frisco. Production will be based in Fort Worth, with cameras expected to start rolling in late March. Although initial announcements had targeted early 2026 for filming, the updated schedule clarifies that principal photography is imminent.

Samuel L. Jackson joins the expanding television universe of “Tulsa King” after being introduced in the show’s third season as Russell Lee Washington Jr. His character was described as someone who befriended Dwight Manfredi during a ten-year federal prison sentence. Dwight Manfredi, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, is the central figure of “Tulsa King.” In the storyline, Russell is sent to Tulsa by New York’s Renzetti crime family with orders to eliminate Dwight once and for all. However, rather than carrying out the assignment, Russell becomes inspired by what Dwight has built in Tulsa and is intrigued by the idea of second chances. This narrative pivot laid the groundwork for the spinoff, allowing Russell’s journey to continue in a new environment.

Jane Wiseman, head of originals at Paramount+, emphasized that Sheridan has consistently built television worlds capable of attracting top-tier talent. She described Jackson’s involvement as evidence of the scale and ambition of Sheridan’s storytelling. Wiseman also noted that the expansion of the franchise with such a high-profile creative team and cast underscores the platform’s confidence in the series. The studio clearly views “Frisco King” as a major addition to its growing slate of original programming.

Sheridan, Stallone, and Jackson will all serve as executive producers on the series. They are joined by David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Christina Alexandra Voros, Michael Friedman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Keith Cox in executive producing roles. This extensive producing team reflects the significant investment behind the project and the collaborative effort to expand the “Tulsa King” universe.

The momentum behind the franchise is supported by the strong performance of “Tulsa King,” which reportedly reached Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming originals chart for eleven consecutive weeks in the fall of 2025. That sustained viewership success has helped establish the series as one of Paramount+’s key properties and likely contributed to the continued push to develop a spinoff centered on Jackson’s character.

Jackson himself brings substantial television experience to the role. In recent years, he has appeared in the Apple TV limited series “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey,” the Marvel and Disney+ series “Secret Invasion,” and Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.” He also previously lent his voice to the title character in the animated series “Afro Samurai.” His involvement in “Frisco King” further expands his footprint in serialized television storytelling, pairing him with one of the industry’s most prolific contemporary creators.

With production about to begin and Sheridan now fully steering the first season’s scripts, “Frisco King” represents both a continuation and a reinvention of the original premise. By relocating the story to Texas and placing Russell Lee Washington Jr. at its center, the series aims to build on the established foundation of “Tulsa King” while carving out its own distinct identity within the broader narrative universe.