It’s not every day that you get to sit down with someone like Terrence Winter, the mastermind behind Tulsa Gold.
A veteran of shows like “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire,” Winter has proven time and time again that he’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to gritty, character-driven dramas.
With Tulsa King, Winter created another gripping world led by Sylvester Stallone. As we gear up for season two, Winter is ready to dive into what’s next for Dwight Manfredi and his ever-expanding empire.
After the huge success of the first season, many fans were wondering: How to top this?
The answer, according to Winter, is simple: “You put Stallone front and center.” He continued, “We have one of the biggest stars in the world at the helm, so we keep him in it.” A no-brainer Son, right?
But it’s not just a matter of one superstar leading the way. Winter weaves a rich cast of characters around Stallone, and in season two, those characters are given more room to shine.
“I think we created this world where we introduced not just Sly’s character but this really wonderful ensemble around him.
“I think just following this storyline and those adventures and the deepening of these character interactions will definitely hopefully keep the show on the same track, or even better,” Winter explained.
So, what’s the secret to keeping your audience hooked? When it comes to winter, it’s all about chemistry.
“You put Sylvester Stallone and Jay Weir together, and they were incredible together in the first place. But when you put Martin Starr and Max Casella together, Boom—this alchemy happens,” he said excitedly.
The magic on screen makes this show more than just a gangster drama; it’s a layered narrative with an unexpected pairing of characters creating something unforgettable.
Speaking of drama, the Season 1 finale left Dwight in a precarious position, both legally and personally. It’s clear from Winter’s comments that the impact of these events will play a major role in the upcoming season.
One of the most noteworthy dynamics is the relationship between Dwight and the ATF agent who betrayed him, Stacey.
“From her perspective, she really didn’t know how he was going to handle this,” Winter noted. “Obviously, she was in trouble. She had a gun pointed at her head, and she did it.
He added, “Now that he’s out, she knows him but doesn’t really know him. All she knows is that he’s a gangster and he could be facing a long prison sentence again.
This nuanced interpretation of a character’s motivations is a classic of “Winter,” and one of the reasons Tulsa King resonates so strongly with audiences. Dwight may be a gangster, but he’s no ordinary gangster.
After years in prison, he became introspective and took a more measured approach to people, assessing their character before making judgments.
As Winter said, “I think Dwight respects everyone until they don’t deserve it. And once they don’t deserve it, he acts accordingly.
But don’t think Dwight is going soft. With Neal McDonough and Frank Grillo joining the cast for season two, Dwight will be facing some serious threats.
“Neal Macdonald plays a rival businessman and a bit of a romantic rival,” Winter joked. “He had a soft spot for Dana Delany’s character.”
And let’s not forget Frank Grillo, who plays a rival mob boss from Kansas City. “He was obviously not happy when he learned there was another guy nearby doing the same job,” Winter revealed.
With so many new faces joining the fray, Dwight’s carefully crafted empire is about to face its toughest challenge yet. It’s not just external forces at work. Winter hinted that Dwight’s expansion into legitimate business ventures might not go as planned.
“In a perfect world, he would like to be legitimate, but his ability to resolve conflicts is very limited,” Winter said with a laugh. “In terms of normal business strategy, he’s a bit like a bull in a china shop.”
The show’s underlying tension — whether Dwight can truly get on the right track, or whether his criminal past will forever haunt him — remains a central theme. In season two, those stakes get even higher.
“Sometimes, as a gang member, his impulse is to do the wrong thing or say the wrong thing, and then you create chaos on your own,” Winter admitted. “We had some chaos as the season went on.”
For those of us who can’t get enough of gangster stories, Winter promises Tulsa King will continue to deliver.
As Dwight expands his team, trust becomes an important issue. “In the mob, you never know who you can trust,” Winter noted. “Even hard-hearted gangsters sworn to silence turn on each other.”
So, will Dwight’s growing empire collapse from within? Only time will tell, but Winter didn’t reveal much. “Stay tuned,” he said with a smile.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of “The King of Tulsa” is its ability to blend drama with humor, which Winter attributes to the nature of the characters he portrays. “A lot of gangsters are fun unless you owe them money,” he joked.
But beyond the quips, there’s depth to these characters. Winter noted that many real-life gangsters enjoyed the show, especially the way it portrayed them as fully realized people.
“They’re not all one-note thugs,” he said. “They have their own opinions about the world, just like you and I.”
So, what can we expect from season 2?
Winter summed it up perfectly: “Season 2 is an extension of season 1, with action, comedy, and great interactions between Dwight and his team that everyone loves. I think everyone is going to enjoy it.” Very, very satisfied with the results.
With an all-star cast, new rivalries, and an even more twisty storyline, The King of Tulsa Season 2 is going to be bigger, bolder, and even more explosive than Season 1.
As Winter advised: “Stay tuned.”
Season 2 of The King of Tulsa will premiere on Paramount+ on Sunday, September 15th.
We’ll be reviewing every episode, so don’t feel unfamiliar!
