Fans of “Tulsa King” are in for more behind-the-scenes drama than anyone expected. Ahead of production for season 4, 26 crew and cast members of the hit Paramount+ series were abruptly told they would not be returning — a move that stunned even longtime members of “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan’s trusted production circle.
‘Tulsa King’ Crew Members Speak Out After Sudden Dismissal
According to Deadline, 26 out of the show’s roughly 600 crew members were informed that they would not be returning for season 4, which resumes production this week. Those affected reportedly worked across several departments — including sound, stunts, rigging, camera operation, and casting — and many believed their jobs were secure following the show’s two-season renewal and Sylvester Stallone’s new deal in 2024.
Among those let go was Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator Freddie Poole, who worked with Stallone for 14 years and doubled for him on “Tulsa King.” Poole told Deadline he was blindsided by the decision. “I feel really bad for the Atlanta film community with just the way things went down,” he said. Poole shared that 101 Studios cited “creative reasons” for his removal but offered him a new position as a photo double, which he declined.
“I’ve been in this business for 30 years and I’ve been on shows for multiple seasons, and I’ve never seen this kind of turnover,” he said. “It’s disappointing.”
Chad Gregory, who served as Stallone’s stand-in for three seasons, also learned secondhand that his job had been posted online — with higher pay. “Look, I get it. Business is business,” Gregory told the outlet. “But unless you are out there getting gut punched, I don’t give a flying rip about your opinion.”
Paramount and 101 Studios declined to comment, though insiders told the outlet that turnover between seasons is “standard practice” and that budget cuts were not a factor. Still, the scale of the change has raised eyebrows across the industry.
Taylor Sheridan’s Exit and What’s Next for Season 4
The upheaval comes as Sheridan’s empire faces big changes. Last week, it was revealed that the prolific producer will leave Paramount for NBCUniversal, where he’s signed a five-year overall deal, reportedly worth billions, starting in 2029 after his current agreement expires.
Season 4 of “Tulsa King” is also undergoing creative restructuring. Terence Winter, who served as showrunner during season 1 before stepping back, is returning as executive producer and head writer. Dave Erickson, who ran the series for seasons 2 and 3, will exit.
Paramount has also begun a wave of layoffs affecting more than 1,000 employees in its first round of cuts, with another round expected soon.
Despite the shakeup, “Tulsa King” remains one of Paramount+’s most popular dramas. The show, which stars Stallone as aging mobster Dwight “The General” Manfredi building a criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was renewed for season 4 on September 16. Production is expected to continue through early 2026, with a mid-to-late 2026 release window likely.
