Sylvester Stallone Compares Tulsa King to 25-Year-Old Box Office Flop: “Let’s Call It a Prequel!”

Sylvester Stallone’s Journey Through Tulsa King

Sylvester Stallone is currently captivating audiences with his role in Tulsa King, a compelling series created by Taylor Sheridan. The show follows an aging mafia enforcer who finds himself adapting to life in Tulsa, Oklahoma after serving a lengthy 25-year prison sentence. Debuting in 2022, Tulsa King has successfully completed two seasons, quickly earning critical acclaim and attracting a significant viewership. The excitement continues, as a third season of the series has already been confirmed.

Stallone’s Career: Triumphs and Setbacks

Despite his numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination for his iconic role in Rocky, Stallone has experienced his share of misfortunes in the film industry. Over his extensive career, the action star has faced critical backlash and box office disappointments, notably with three films receiving a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes: Staying Alive, Armor, and this year’s Alarum. While his films have collectively grossed over $4 billion, Stallone acknowledges that not every project is a success. He recently reflected on the connection between one of his flops and his current hit, Tulsa King.

Connecting Get Carter to Tulsa King

Stallone’s Insights on the Link

Sylvester Stallone as Jack Carter staring off camera in Get Carter (2001)

In a candid discussion on his official Instagram page, Stallone drew parallels between Get Carter, a 2000 remake of the classic 1971 film, and his latest character in Tulsa King. In Get Carter, Stallone portrays Jack Carter, a mob enforcer who returns to his roots to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death. Unfortunately, this film received harsh criticism, earning a mere 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, and struggled at the box office, grossing only $19.4 million against a $63.6 million budget.

Stallone shared that his experience as Jack Carter served as vital preparation for his portrayal of Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King, suggesting that it’s fair to think of Get Carter as a “prequel”to his current show. He further described Get Carter as “underrated”and among his “BEST films.”

Analyzing the Connection Between the Two Roles

Similar Themes and Characters

The thematic similarities between Get Carter and Tulsa King are notable, particularly in how both narratives explore protagonists returning to unfamiliar settings after many years. Both characters are deeply enmeshed in mafia culture, prompting intriguing comparisons. However, it’s essential to recognize that Tulsa King stands apart by focusing on an aging mafia figure, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of themes surrounding legacy and reintegration into society. Stallone’s perspective highlights the unique similarities between these roles, revealing his artistic growth over the years.

For further insights, you can view Stallone’s original comments on Instagram at Sylvester Stallone’s Instagram.

Source: Screen Rant