The cast of Tulsa King has enthralled viewers all over the world by fusing new faces with iconic star power in a gritty, character-driven criminal drama. Created by Taylor Sheridan and Terence Winter, the show centres on Dwight “The General” Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone, a New York Mafia capo who is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving a 25-year prison sentence. Premiering on Paramount+ in November 2022, Tulsa King quickly became one of the platform’s biggest original hits, and as of 2025, it continues to expand its universe with a confirmed second season and spin-off rumours.
This article explores every major character in the show, the real-life actors who portray them, their roles within the narrative, recent cast updates, and what fans can expect moving forward. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned fan, this in-depth look at the Tulsa King cast is designed to inform, entertain, and answer your most searched questions.
Who Leads the Cast of Tulsa King?
Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi
Sylvester Stallone leads the cast as Dwight Manfredi, a former New York mafia capo who is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to establish a new criminal empire. This role marks Stallone’s first lead in a scripted television series, bringing decades of cinematic presence from roles in Rocky, Rambo, and The Expendables.
Stallone’s portrayal of Dwight is layered and complex. Unlike his more physically dominant roles, this character relies more on wisdom, regret, and calculated menace. Stallone received praise from Variety and Rolling Stone for his “career-defining TV debut,” with critic Alan Sepinwall calling it “the perfect extension of his aging icon archetype.”
Supporting Cast: Key Characters and Their Actors
Andrea Savage as Stacy Beale
Andrea Savage plays Stacy Beale, an ATF agent who initially has a casual fling with Dwight, unaware of his criminal background. Savage, known for her work in I’m Sorry and Veep, shifts to a more dramatic performance, which showcases her range. Her character becomes central as the story intertwines law enforcement and organised crime.
Martin Starr as Bodhi
Martin Starr, famed for his roles in Silicon Valley and Freaks and Geeks, brings dry humour and awkward brilliance to Bodhi, a local weed dispensary owner whom Dwight recruits into his new empire. Starr’s character arc shows surprising transformation, evolving from comic relief to key strategist.
Jay Will as Tyson Mitchell
Jay Will portrays Tyson Mitchell, a young Tulsa native and aspiring gangster who becomes Dwight’s driver and mentee. Will’s performance has been praised for its sincerity and vulnerability. He provides an important emotional anchor for the older and more cynical Dwight.
Max Casella as Armand Truisi (Manny)
Max Casella, a veteran of shows like The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, plays Manny, a former mobster now living under a new identity in Tulsa. His re-emergence into Dwight’s life triggers conflict and reveals layers of mob loyalty and paranoia.
Domenick Lombardozzi as Charles “Chickie” Invernizzi
Chickie is the son of the New York mob boss and represents the unstable, unpredictable future of the crime family. Lombardozzi delivers a menacing and erratic performance, reminiscent of his work in The Wire. His relationship with Dwight is hostile, rooted in betrayal and power shifts.
Vincent Piazza as Vince Antonacci
Vince is Chickie’s right-hand man, often representing the violent and impulsive side of the organisation. Vincent Piazza, known for Boardwalk Empire and Jersey Boys, gives the role a cold intensity that adds tension to every scene he enters.
Recent Additions and Season 2 Developments (2025)
Frank Grillo Joins the Cast
In March 2024, it was announced that action star Frank Grillo would join Season 2 of Tulsa King. Grillo plays a rival crime boss based in Kansas City, set to clash with Dwight’s growing empire. Grillo’s casting has excited fans, as he brings a credible threat and physical presence to the evolving narrative.
Annabella Sciorra and Neal McDonough Appear as Guest Stars
In 2025, Tulsa King Season 2 introduced a flashback arc featuring Annabella Sciorra as Dwight’s ex-wife and Neal McDonough as a corrupt politician involved in Tulsa’s underbelly. These appearances deepen Dwight’s backstory and explore the political landscape he’s navigating.
What Makes the Cast of Tulsa King So Effective?
Taylor Sheridan’s Casting Philosophy
Taylor Sheridan, known for Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown, has a reputation for sharp, layered casting. In Tulsa King, he pairs iconic names with character actors who bring credibility and grit. This blend ensures the world of Tulsa feels lived-in, dangerous, and emotionally grounded.
Chemistry and Ensemble Dynamics
The chemistry between cast members, particularly Stallone and Jay Will, has been a standout highlight. Their mentor-mentee relationship gives emotional heft to the criminal world. Meanwhile, Andrea Savage and Stallone’s fractured romance adds depth and dramatic irony.
Critical and Audience Reception
As of 2025, Tulsa King holds a 79% critic score and 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The cast has been consistently praised for elevating what could have been a standard mob drama into something more character-driven and resonant.
Practical Viewing Tips
Where to Watch Tulsa King
Tulsa King is available exclusively on Paramount+. Viewers can stream all episodes from Season 1, while Season 2 episodes are released weekly. International viewers can access the show through Sky Atlantic in the UK and Amazon Prime (with Paramount+ add-on) in regions like Canada and Australia.
Best Episodes to Understand the Cast
Episode 1: “Go West, Old Man” — Introduction to Dwight and his forced relocation
Episode 3: “Caprice” — Features major interactions between Dwight, Bodhi, and Tyson
Episode 7: “Warr Acres” — Emotional backstory for Manny is revealed
Episode 10: “Happy Trails” — Season finale showcasing ensemble tension and setup for Season 2
Real-Life Examples of Career Impact
Jay Will’s breakout role in Tulsa King has led to further roles in upcoming Netflix crime series Savage State.
Andrea Savage has landed a role in an Apple TV+ political drama after receiving acclaim for her Tulsa King performance.
Martin Starr is reportedly developing a Tulsa King spin-off focusing on Bodhi’s dispensary empire, according to Deadline Hollywood.
Recent Trends and Fan Theories (2025)
On social media, Tulsa King remains a trending topic, especially following the release of Season 2’s third episode. Hashtags like #DwightLives and #TeamBodhi are among the most used on X, while TikTok edits of Stallone’s dialogues have gone viral, particularly among Gen Z fans.
YouTube analysis videos breaking down character motivations, especially Dwight’s trauma and Chickie’s growing madness, have garnered millions of views. Reddit fan theories predict that Season 2 will end with a betrayal within Dwight’s circle — possibly from Bodhi.
The Show’s Future and Potential Spin-offs
There are strong rumours, supported by a February 2025 Hollywood Reporter article, that Tulsa King will lead to multiple spin-offs. One potential series could focus on Chickie’s operations in New York, while another might explore Tyson’s journey as a standalone character. These spin-offs are likely to expand the Tulsa King universe, much like Yellowstone did with 1883 and 1923.
Taylor Sheridan’s multi-show universe under Paramount’s banner ensures a long-term future for these characters.
FAQs
Who plays the main role in Tulsa King?
Sylvester Stallone plays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a former New York mobster starting fresh in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It’s his first lead role in a scripted TV series.
Is Tulsa King based on a true story?
No, Tulsa King is a fictional series created by Taylor Sheridan. However, it draws from real-life mob dynamics and cultural elements from both New York and Midwestern America.
Where is Tulsa King filmed?
Although set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, much of the filming took place in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and parts of New York to represent Dwight’s past life.
Will there be a Season 3 of Tulsa King?
While Paramount+ has not officially announced Season 3, the show’s strong ratings and continued popularity suggest renewal is highly likely by late 2025.
Are any spin-offs planned for Tulsa King?
Yes, according to Hollywood Reporter, there are at least two spin-offs in development focusing on characters Chickie Invernizzi and Bodhi.
Final Thoughts
The cast of Tulsa King is undoubtedly one of the strongest elements driving the show’s success. From Sylvester Stallone’s commanding presence to fresh breakout stars like Jay Will, each actor contributes to a rich narrative tapestry. As the show expands into its second season and beyond, the ensemble remains central to its ongoing appeal. With Sheridan’s writing and Winter’s structure, Tulsa King offers more than mob drama — it offers character-driven television at its finest.
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