Interview with the cast of “Tulsa King”

TV Interview!

 

Interview with Showrunner Terry Winter, Executive Producer David C. Glasser, and Executive Producer/actor Sylvester Stallone, and actors Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Jay Will and Garrett Hedlund of “Tulsa King” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 9/21/22

I really enjoyed this virtual panel. It was for the Television Critics Association, and I was so lucky to be chosen as the first to ask a question, which is always great (sometimes I’m lucky if I get even one question on these big panels). I loved being able to talk to Sylvester Stallone, who stars in this show. I admit that it would have felt weird to call him either “Sylvester” or “Sly,” so I addressed him as “Mr. Stallone.”  The other reporters must have liked that idea, because from then on, they called him that as well.

TULSA KING: A New Original Series with an Unconventional Twist

Virtual Panel Discussion Unveils Exciting Details about the Highly Anticipated Paramount+ Show

TULSA KING, September 21, 2022 – The Paramount+ original series TULSA KING is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of genres and compelling storytelling. During a virtual panel discussion via Zoom, the show’s executive producer, showrunner, and writer, Terence Winter, along with executive producer David Glasser, executive producer and Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone, and the talented cast members Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Jay Will, and Garrett Hedlund, shared insights and anecdotes about the upcoming series.

The panel began with Kate Mann, a member of the Paramount+ publicity team, expressing gratitude to Andrea Savage for joining despite her battle with COVID-19. After a lighthearted exchange about the different degrees of COVID, the discussion delved into the world of TULSA KING.

Terence Winter provided an overview of the show’s premise, introducing Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a seasoned New York mob capo. Released from prison after 25 years, Dwight expects compensation for his loyalty and sacrifices. However, he is unexpectedly sent to Tulsa, a place that feels worlds apart from his familiar surroundings. Tasked with rectifying past mistakes, rebuilding his life, and forming an unconventional crew, Dwight faces an existential journey in an unfamiliar setting.

The panelists engaged in a lively Q&A session, offering valuable insights into their experiences and the show’s unique elements. Sylvester Stallone, who plays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, spoke about his involvement in the show and the immediate connection he felt with the project when approached by Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator. Stallone praised the fast-paced nature of television production and highlighted the endurance and dedication of the crew.

Stallone answered my question about how he became involved in the show: “It’s kind of interesting because I met {creator Taylor Sheridan] a while back, actually riding horses in California.   And he was just working on ‘Sicario’ at the time, and I wanted him to write the screenplay for ‘Rambo’ because I was getting lazy. Anyway, we moved on in life.  And then he became very, very successful with… ‘Yellowstone.’  And one day, he just had this idea, called me up, pitched it to me in like three seconds.  I went, “I’m in.” It was very fast.”

When asked about the appeal of playing a gangster and being a storyteller in that world, Stallone emphasized his long-standing fascination with the genre and his desire to portray a different type of gangster character. He described Dwight as an educated individual who appreciates the classics and possesses a unique set of traits not typically associated with gangster portrayals.

The cast members also shared their thoughts on the show and their respective characters. Andrea Savage expressed her excitement about working in a new world and highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of Dwight’s character. Martin Starr discussed his departure from his usual roles and the intriguing dynamics his character experiences when encountering Dwight. Jay Will expressed his appreciation for the relatability of his character’s journey of self-discovery, while Garrett Hedlund highlighted the unique bond between his character and Stallone’s character.

Throughout the discussion, Terence Winter emphasized the departure from traditional gangster narratives and the infusion of different genres. He described the show as a blend of the western and gangster genres, bringing together two tried-and-true themes to create an entirely new and captivating experience for viewers.

David Glasser, another executive producer, discussed the choice of Tulsa as the setting for the series. He explained that Tulsa provided the perfect backdrop for Dwight’s journey, as it contrasts significantly with his New York origins. Glasser praised the location’s wide-open spaces and distinct atmosphere, which helped immerse the audience in a new and unfamiliar world.

As the panel came to a close, the cast members expressed their hopes for the series. Garrett Hedlund and Jay Will emphasized the uniqueness and relatability of the show, while Martin Starr highlighted the dark comedy infused throughout the series. Andrea Savage praised the vulnerability and humor brought by Stallone’s portrayal of Dwight, while Stallone himself hoped that audiences would perceive the show as a departure from traditional mob narratives and find resonance in the characters’ stories.

The virtual panel left audiences eagerly anticipating the premiere of TULSA KING on November 13th, exclusively on Paramount+. With its unconventional blend of genres, captivating storytelling, and a stellar cast, the series promises to be an enthralling addition to the television landscape.

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Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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