#samuell.jackson

M. Night Shyamalan’s take on the superhero genre is one of his best films. Unbreakable is smart and has a jaw-dropper of an ending.

When David Dunn (Bruce Willis) escapes from a train wreck without a single scratch, Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) is convinced it’s because he’s special: the real-life equivalent of a comic book superhero.

Almost all of M. Night’s films are about two topics and the unexpected way they intersect. An alien invasion and a preacher who’s lost his faith. A family stranded on a hostile planet and a son trying to prove himself to his father. A trio of women trying to escape their abductor and the idea that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Same here. While on the surface “Unbreakable” is about a man who might be a superhero (for a lack of a better term) it’s also about a person who finds their purpose in life. I love superhero films, but the first installments are usually my least favorite. I want to see the acts of heroism. I’m less interested in their personal life with the obligatory love interest, the villain whose origin is tied with the hero’s, the development of the costume, etc. Particularly with modern superhero films, it feels as if what we're watching is just the building to something else. Not this time.

While Unbreakable contains elements of fantasy, this is a tale mostly grounded in reality. The characters feel genuine. Elijah is kind of sad, and your heart goes out to him when he finds this person he’s been looking for. David may be invulnerable on the outside but you’re worried for his personal life. There aren’t any big action sequences in the film but you’re captivated nonetheless.

My one criticism is that M. Night clearly wanted to include certain comic books and comic book characters in the story but couldn’t. That was outside of his control. What wasn't was the screenplay, which could've been adjusted accordingly. At a glance, you’d swear that Elijah is holding a copy of Action Comics #1 (the first appearance of Superman) but upon closer inspection, it’s some made-up title with the same font. He couldn’t get Marvel to allow him to show Amazing Fantasy #15 instead? You see Marvel Comic books everywhere else in the background, so why not? I know it seems like a small thing, but this picture is all about superheroes. Elijah collects them, it explores the topic deeply because it knows what we know and expect. M. Night is obviously knowledgeable about the subject which makes this detail stick out.

Unbreakable doesn't get the proper credit it deserves. There have been many superhero movies made since and few have approached their powers and characters with the same insight and self-reflection as this one. It isn’t big, but it feels personal, and that ending... it's one you can't forget. (Theatrical version on DVD, January 31, 2017)

Samuel L. Jackson Headlines First TV Series in 'NOLA King,' a Shocking 'Paramount+' Crime Drama

Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson is making television history by headlining his first-ever TV series with Paramount+'s explosive new crime drama "NOLA King." The groundbreaking spinoff of the hit series "Tulsa King" was officially greenlit in July 2025, positioning Jackson's character Russell Lee Washington Jr. as the centerpiece of Taylor Sheridan's expanding criminal universe. After decades of dominating the big screen with over 150 films and nearly $15 billion in box office earnings, the Oscar-nominated actor is bringing his commanding presence to the small screen in a role that promises to redefine crime television.

#Samuel L. Jackson's NOLA King

Breaking Down the 'NOLA King' Premise and Character Arc

Samuel L. Jackson's character Russell Lee Washington Jr. represents a fascinating departure from typical crime drama protagonists. After befriending Dwight Manfredi during a decade-long prison stint, Washington gets sent to Tulsa by the New York-based Renzetti crime family with orders to eliminate his former friend Paramount Press Express. However, the storyline takes an unexpected turn when Washington becomes inspired by Dwight's success in building a criminal empire from scratch.

The series follows Washington as he returns to New Orleans after abandoning the city forty years earlier, seeking to rebuild relationships with family and friends while attempting to seize control of the city's underworld Paramount Press Express. This homecoming triggers multiple conflicts, pitting Washington against both his former New York employers and local enemies who remember his past.

The character made his debut in the final two episodes of "Tulsa King" Season 3, which premiered in September 2025. This strategic introduction allowed audiences to witness the chemistry between Jackson and Sylvester Stallone before the spinoff launches.

Why This Marks a Major Milestone for Samuel L. Jackson's Career

From Big Screen Dominance to Television Pioneer

Samuel L. Jackson's decision to headline a television series represents a significant career evolution for an actor who has maintained A-list movie star status for over three decades. With countless iconic screen performances in over 150 films, Jackson stands among the highest global box office earners in cinematic history with his films grossing nearly $15 billion worldwide Paramount Press Express.

Despite appearing in limited series like "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" and reprising his Marvel role in "Secret Invasion," "NOLA King" marks Jackson's first commitment to an ongoing television series where he serves as both lead actor and executive producer.

Key milestones in Jackson's illustrious career:

- Academy Award nomination for "Pulp Fiction" (1994) - Honorary Academy Award recipient (2022) - BAFTA Award winner - Multiple collaborations with directors Quentin Tarantino and Spike Lee - Marvel Cinematic Universe's Nick Fury across 11 films - Star Wars prequel trilogy as Mace Windu

#Samuel L. Jackson's NOLA King

The Taylor Sheridan Connection: Building a Crime Empire

Expanding the Tulsa King Universe

Taylor Sheridan's involvement as executive producer brings proven credentials to "NOLA King." In 2024, "Tulsa King" ranked as the number one global Paramount+ original series and was a top 10 original series across all streaming platforms in Q4 of that year Paramount Press Express. This success provided the foundation for Paramount+ executives to greenlight the first "Tulsa King" spinoff.

Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount Global, emphasized Jackson's casting significance: "Samuel L. Jackson brings unparalleled presence and global appeal, making him the perfect choice to maximize the momentum of one of our biggest hits and transform it into a hit franchise" Paramount Press Express.

Sheridan's expanding television empire includes:

- Yellowstone and its multiple spinoffs (1883, 1923) - Mayor of Kingstown - Lioness - Landman - Bass Reeves - Tulsa King

Production Timeline and Release Expectations

When Will 'NOLA King' Premiere on Paramount+?

Production for "NOLA King" is slated to begin in February 2026, with a premiere expected in late 2026 or early 2027 Complex. The series will follow a similar production schedule to "Tulsa King," which typically requires several months of filming followed by extensive post-production work.

Jackson expressed strong opinions about filming locations during a November 2025 appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." When discussing New Orleans filming, Jackson asked, "Why you tryin' to work cheap? Let's go to New Orleans!" WBLS His comments referenced Louisiana's tax incentives for film and television production, which could significantly impact the show's budget and authenticity.

Production details at a glance:

- Expected filming start: February 2026 - Production companies: MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios - Projected premiere window: Late 2026 or early 2027 - Episode count: Likely 10 episodes (matching "Tulsa King" format) - Primary filming location: New Orleans, Louisiana (pending final decisions)

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The Stallone Factor: Two Legends Unite

On-Set Chemistry Between Hollywood Icons

Sylvester Stallone's enthusiastic support for Jackson's casting adds another layer of anticipation to "NOLA King." Stallone stated, "Chris McCarthy came to me with a game-changing idea: to elevate my show beyond a mob boss series, creating a dynamic, family-driven franchise. Sam Jackson is the only choice to anchor this new adventure in NOLA" Paramount Press Express.

Stallone previously described working with Jackson as "a battle and a blessing," comparing their first days on set to "two boxers in a ring" Complex. Despite initial nerves, the actors quickly established their rhythm and chemistry, creating memorable scenes in "Tulsa King" Season 3 that set up the spinoff.

Both actors are executive producers on "NOLA King," ensuring creative control over the direction of the franchise expansion. This partnership between two Hollywood legends represents a rare collaboration that combines their combined box office power and acting prowess.

What Makes 'NOLA King' Different from Other Crime Dramas

The Second Chances Narrative

Unlike traditional crime dramas focusing solely on violence and power struggles, "NOLA King" emphasizes themes of redemption and family reconciliation. Washington returns to New Orleans inspired by what Dwight created in Tulsa and impressed with the possibilities of second chances Paramount Press Express.

This narrative framework distinguishes "NOLA King" from other crime series by exploring an aging criminal's attempt to rebuild severed family connections while establishing a criminal empire. The dual focus on family dynamics and criminal ambition creates dramatic tension that extends beyond typical mob storylines.

Unique elements setting 'NOLA King' apart:

- Protagonist seeking redemption after 40-year absence - Family reconciliation as primary motivation - New Orleans cultural backdrop and criminal landscape - Dual threats from New York employers and local enemies - Age and wisdom perspective on crime and loyalty - Connection to broader "Tulsa King" universe for potential crossovers

#Samuel L. Jackson's NOLA King

Industry Impact and Streaming Platform Strategy

The "NOLA King" announcement represents Paramount+'s aggressive strategy to build franchises around successful original series. By leveraging "Tulsa King's" momentum and Jackson's star power, the platform aims to compete with industry giants like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+.

Under his overall deal with MTV Entertainment Studios, Dave Erickson is expected to transition from "Tulsa King" to the new series while continuing on "Mayor of Kingstown" Deadline. This creative continuity ensures consistency in storytelling and production quality across Sheridan's expanding universe.

The decision to cast Jackson also signals Paramount+'s willingness to invest heavily in A-list talent for original programming. His involvement brings mainstream media attention and potential subscriber growth that justifies the substantial production budget.

Fan Anticipation and Social Media Reaction

Since the official announcement in July 2025, entertainment industry insiders and fans have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for Jackson's television debut. The actor himself revealed his excitement about joining Sheridan's universe: "At least 15 of those shows are on my watchlist all the time. So I'm really happy to be in that universe. I watched Tulsa King, and I liked it even before that idea came up" WBLS.

The strategic introduction of Washington's character in "Tulsa King" Season 3 allowed audiences to preview the spinoff's potential. Season 3 closed with Dwight securing a federal liquor license after striking a tense deal with FBI Agent Musso, but the final beat belonged to Jackson's character Complex. His exit scene specifically positioned "NOLA King" as a natural expansion of the franchise.

#Samuel L. Jackson's NOLA King

A New Chapter in Crime Television

"NOLA King" represents more than just another spinoff—it marks Samuel L. Jackson's historic transition to television leading man and Taylor Sheridan's continued dominance in crime drama storytelling. The combination of Jackson's legendary screen presence, New Orleans' rich cultural backdrop, and the proven "Tulsa King" formula creates a compelling recipe for streaming success.

As production moves toward its February 2026 start date, "NOLA King" stands positioned to redefine expectations for streaming crime dramas. Jackson's first headlining television role brings mainstream attention to Paramount+'s growing original programming slate while expanding Sheridan's interconnected criminal universe.