Deadline has reported that Tulsa King has made some last-minute changes after 26 crew members were let go only a week before production was set to begin. This news comes just before it was reported that Taylor Sheridan will exit Paramount following the expiration of his deal in 2028. Paramount will continue to undergo major changes, as it is anticipated to lay off approximately 1,000 staffers.

According to Deadline, the roles within Tulsa King are set to be replaced rather than eliminated. The changes will take place across departments, including stunts, extras casting, hair, sound, and camera. Many of these crew members were led to believe that they would maintain their roles for the tenure of Stallone’s two-year renewal.

Deadline has reported that, instead of returning to work within the next few weeks, these crew members were informed that they would not be asked back to the drama. Among those crew members not returning to the show is Sylvester Stallone’s long-time stunt double, Freddie Poole (Don’t Tell Larry, 1923).

Via Deadline, 101 Studios stated that the changes were due to creative reasons. When asked about his dismissal, Poole said, “I feel really bad for the Atlanta film community with just the way things went down. I’ve been in this business for 30 years, and I’ve been on shows for multiple seasons, and I’ve never seen this kind of turnover.” Poole, who has been nominated for an Emmy in stunt coordination in both 2023 and 2025, was asked to come back to the show as a photo double. He declined the offer.

According to Deadline, Stallone’s stand-in, Chad Gregory (Evinced, Samaritan), was informed of his dismissal second-hand. Gregory, who also works in construction, said this about Paramount’s decision: “Look, I get it. Business is business. I’m sure there will be some who see this and say I need to stiffen up. That’s fine. You’re entitled to your opinion. But I will say this, unless you are out there getting gut punched, I don’t give a flying rip about your opinion.”

Deadline has reported that 101 Studios and Paramount declined to comment, but insiders have stated that crew turnover is “standard practice” between seasons, and none of the crew members had standing contracts. 

Via Deadline, the show was already set for major changes with Season three showrunner Dave Erickson (Fear Of The Walking Dead, Sons Of Anarchy) not returning. Terrance Winter (The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire) is set to return as head writer and executive producer. Winter served in a showrunner’s  capacity during the show’s first season.