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Arts & Culture
05 January 2025

Sylvester Stallone's Tulsa King Faces Uncertain Future Amid Controversy

Allegations of disrespect toward extras could impact the show's reputation and Stallone's legacy

Tulsa King, the crime drama starring Sylvester Stallone, is facing an uncertain future after troubling accusations about the actor’s behavior on set. Following a less-than-impressive reception for Season 2, the show now finds itself under intense scrutiny. Reports have surfaced of Stallone’s alleged disrespect toward background extras, with claims of hurtful comments and inappropriate requests adding fuel to the fire.

With Tulsa King now preparing for its third season, these controversies threaten to overshadow its future. Could Sylvester Stallone’s on-set behavior doom the show’s next chapter? After the disappointing reception of the second season, which failed to match the success of its predecessor, the upcoming season is clouded by these allegations.

According to reports from AV Club, there are serious concerns surrounding Stallone’s behavior toward background extras. Allegations are being made, particularly from CL Casting, the agency responsible for hiring extras for the show, now led by Rose Locke. They reportedly withdrew from the project due to claims of Stallone’s disrespectful remarks and requests. One report details Stallone requesting "pretty young girls to be around me," raising eyebrows about his conduct on set.

These allegations intensified when extras who were present on set began sharing their experiences within a private Facebook group. One extra recounted how Stallone derogatorily referred to him as "a tub of lard" and "the fat guy with a cane." Another actor overheard Stallone calling extras "ugly." The impact of these remarks has been described as deeply hurtful, with one actor stating it "hurt his soul" to hear such comments.

These accusations go beyond mere thoughtlessness, potentially damaging Stallone's long-established image as a Hollywood star and reflecting poorly on Tulsa King itself. The casting agency’s exit from the show, coupled with their public statement hinting at a toxic environment on the set, exacerbates the situation.

Responding to the storm of controversies, Tulsa King’s executive producer Craig Zisk has stepped forward to deny the allegations against Stallone. According to Zisk, "Stallone never made the offensive comments," asserting the issue with CL Casting derived from disagreements over the age of the extras hired for the show.

Despite Zisk’s defense, the negative spotlight continues to grow, fueled by CL Casting’s departure and the various accusations gaining traction online. The road to redemption and reputation restoration may prove challenging for both Stallone and the series.

The storied career of Sylvester Stallone is filled with iconic roles—from the unyielding Rocky Balboa to the battle-hardened John Rambo. Yet, it’s fascinating to recall the time he believed his career could be ended by one not-so-expected film, which was none other than the first installment of the Rambo franchise, First Blood. Stallone once expressed doubt about audience reception, fearing the film would fall flat.

Originally, First Blood ran nearly three hours. Stallone’s worries about its length and pacing led to significant cuts, resulting in the final runtime of just 85 minutes. Little did he know, the trimmed version would become one of the most celebrated action films of all time, solidifying the character of John Rambo as unforgettable. Stallone’s early doubts proved misplaced as First Blood became pivotal, showcasing the unpredictability of success.

With Tulsa King currently facing potential upheaval, it begs the question—can Stallone weather another storm as he did before? The outcome might not only determine the series' fate but also affect the actor's legacy. The season’s reputation is hanging by threads as conversations swirl around the controversies.

For now, audiences can catch Stallone reprising his role as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, who is attempting to build his criminal empire after being released from jail. The question remains: will the tensions off the screen translate adversely for the narrative on-screen? One thing is certain, Tulsa King’s future is precarious but still holds potential; how the storm lands remains to be seen.