Did Sylvester Stallone Confirm One Major Tulsa King Character’s Villain Arc Prior to Season 3?

A dark turn awaits Tulsa King season 3, as Sylvester Stallone shares a behind-the-scenes image teasing a ruthless shift in Tyson, Dwight Manfredi’s loyal enforcer.

The photograph, shared on Stallone’s Instagram, captures him alongside Jay Will (Tyson) clad in black, armed with machine guns, an unmistakable signal that this character might be venturing down a darker path than fans have seen before. As Dwight’s empire prepares to expand amidst new enemies, including Samuel L. Jackson’s antagonist, Tyson’s evolution could redefine the power dynamics within the show. 

A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone)

Stallone’s caption teases an “exciting episode”, but the heavy weaponry and grim attire suggest more than just routine business. For the unversed, Tyson, once Dwight’s loyal confidant and brother-in-arms, shocked viewers in Tulsa King season 2’s penultimate episode by killing Jackie Ming as an act of revenge against his triad enemies.

This was a clear departure from the earlier, more lighthearted side of his character. 

Tulsa King Season 3 Trailer Confirms Major FBI Twist: What It Means for Dwight & His Empire





The latest Tulsa King season 3 trailer reveals growing pressure on Dwight Manfredi. Kidnapped by FBI Special Agent Musso, he’s now squeezed by both rival gangs and federal agents. Musso’s attempt to flip him adds a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic, forcing Dwight into a dangerous game of survival. Meanwhile, Bill’s expansion plans and Cal Thresher’s lingering presence threaten the fragile balance of his empire.

New adversaries, such as Robert Patrick’s character, add fresh layers of danger, while Samuel L. Jackson’s Russell Lee Washington Jr. makes a grand entrance, hinting at a history with Dwight that could upend alliances or spark violent showdowns. The trailer also spotlights Tyson’s team tailing targets in a high-tech gray Cybertruck, underscoring their integral role in the criminal chess match. 

With every faction poised to make a move, season 3 sets the stage for a power struggle fueled by shifting loyalties and rising tension.

Also, this FBI subplot introduces moral ambiguity and heightened tension, pushing Dwight to tread carefully with his alliances. Will he resist Musso’s overtures, or will the weight of external threats force him to reconsider his options? The answers will define not just Dwight’s fate but the future of Tulsa’s underworld.

Since its debut, Tulsa King has steadily gained traction on Paramount Network and Paramount+, snagging a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy nomination in 2023. The showrunner seat has seen a few changes, from Terence Winter to Craig Zisk, now Dave Erickson, mirroring the evolving vision for the series.

Filming moved from Oklahoma City to Atlanta between seasons, and acclaimed names like Annabella Sciorra, Frank Grillo, Neal McDonough, and Samuel L. Jackson have expanded the dramatic universe. With a fourth season greenlit (per Deadline), Stallone’s crime saga is far from over.

Our Take on How Tyson’s Transformation in Tulsa King Season 3 Could Change Everything





Tyson’s journey from loyal lieutenant to potential antagonist may be the most electrifying character arc Tulsa King has ever dared to explore. Initially welcomed with open arms by Dwight, Tyson became more than just muscle; he was family. Even though Tyson’s father disapproved of their partnership, the bond endured, helping them weather the storm of adversaries like Chickie and Bill.

However, season 2’s cold-blooded killing of Jackie Ming cracked open a darker side of Tyson. Moreover, the behind-the-scenes image Sylvester Stallone posted on Instagram stands in stark contrast to Tyson’s usual easygoing demeanor. This shift could have seismic effects on the storyline, as a hardened Tyson would complement Dwight’s empire-building efforts but might also challenge the fragile equilibrium within the crew.

If Tyson truly embraces this villainous turn, Tulsa King could explore themes of loyalty versus ambition, and the corrosive nature of violence on brotherhood. What do you think? Is Tyson becoming the show’s unexpected villain, or is this just a red herring? Throw your hat into the ring in the comments below!

Tulsa King season 3 is set to premiere on September 21, 2025 on Paramount+.