In a surprising turn of events, Tulsa King has replaced 26 crew members just days before the cameras were set to roll on Season 4. The sudden reshuffle has shocked many in the industry, including long-time collaborators who have been part of the show since its early days. As production gears up to begin within a week, the changes have sparked questions about what’s happening behind the scenes of Sylvester Stallone’s hit crime drama.
Major Crew Departures Rock the Production
According to multiple production insiders, individuals from sound, camera, stunts, rigging, transportation, production office, extras casting, hair, and photography departments were all affected. The restructuring came as an unexpected blow to many who had already been preparing to return to the set for another season.
Among those impacted was Freddie Poole, Sylvester Stallone’s long-time stunt double. Poole has worked with Stallone for over 14 years, including through every season of Tulsa King. He expressed his disappointment over the sudden decision, calling it an unprecedented move in his three-decade career.
“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,” Poole said.
Poole revealed that he received notice of his dismissal just two weeks before his scheduled return to work — a shock considering his close working relationship with Stallone and the show’s consistent renewal success.
Stand-In Chad Gregory Also Cut From the Roster
Another surprising name not returning for Season 4 is Chad Gregory, who stood in for Stallone during the first three seasons. Gregory didn’t hear the news through official communication but from a friend who discovered his position listed online at a new, higher hourly rate — now open to other applicants.
This unconventional way of finding out added to the frustration felt by many long-term crew members. The dismissals came even after the series was renewed for two additional seasons in 2024, suggesting stability that many assumed would continue.
Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil or Standard Practice?
While fans may see this as a sign of trouble, some insiders have suggested the shakeup is part of a routine restructuring that often takes place between television seasons. Crew contracts typically expire at the end of a season, and production companies may choose new hires for reasons ranging from budget management to creative direction.
A source close to the production stated that the decision had nothing to do with budget cuts, despite Paramount’s recent layoff of over 1,000 employees. Instead, the choice was framed as part of a larger creative refresh for Season 4.
However, others in the industry disagree. With Taylor Sheridan’s production empire expanding rapidly — including his recent billion-dollar deal with NBCUniversal — many believe this may mark a shift in how his shows are managed under new financial priorities.
A Big Return: Terence Winter Rejoins as Showrunner
While the staffing shakeup has made headlines, there’s another major change that could redefine Tulsa King’s tone and direction — the return of Terence Winter as executive producer and head writer.
Winter, best known for his work on Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos, originally served as showrunner during Tulsa King’s first season. He stepped away after creative differences but rejoined the writing team in Season 2. Now, for Season 4, Winter returns to a leadership position, signaling a fresh creative approach and possibly a tonal shift for the show.
Winter’s storytelling expertise could reinvigorate the narrative and tighten the focus on Dwight Manfredi’s empire-building journey, as well as his internal struggles with morality, loyalty, and survival in a hostile world.
Paramount+ and the Future of ‘Tulsa King’
Despite the internal changes, Tulsa King remains one of Paramount+’s top-performing original series. Its unique blend of dark humor, crime drama, and character-driven storytelling has earned a loyal fanbase since its debut.
Starring Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi — a New York mobster rebuilding his empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma — the show combines old-school gangster grit with modern streaming sensibilities. Stallone’s portrayal has been praised for its depth, charisma, and emotional realism, offering audiences a look at a mobster trying to evolve in a world that’s left him behind.
Season 4 promises to push the story forward with higher stakes, more danger, and unexpected alliances. With Terence Winter back and the creative team reshuffled, fans can expect a tighter, more focused continuation of the crime saga.
The Bigger Picture: Sheridan’s Expanding Universe
The restructuring at Tulsa King comes during a time of massive expansion for Taylor Sheridan’s television empire. His slate includes hits like Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, 1923, and Lioness, all under Paramount’s umbrella. Sheridan’s storytelling has reshaped the landscape of modern American drama, blending rugged realism with cinematic depth.
His new deal with NBCUniversal, reportedly worth over a billion dollars, could change the future of his productions — possibly spreading his creative oversight across multiple networks and projects.
For now, Tulsa King continues to anchor his crime universe, proving that even with behind-the-scenes turbulence, the demand for gritty, character-driven drama remains strong.
Final Thoughts
The sudden replacement of 26 crew members on Tulsa King may have raised eyebrows, but it also represents a moment of renewal for the series. With Terence Winter’s return and a refreshed creative direction, Season 4 could emerge as one of the strongest chapters yet.
Fans will be eager to see how Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi continues his reign — and how the show balances loyalty, betrayal, and reinvention both on and off the screen.