Sylvester Stallone Stars in 'Tulsa King 4', Controversy Over Mass Layoffs of 26 Staff Just Before Filming

The Paramount+ drama 'Tulsa King' Season 4, starring Sylvester Stallone, has begun production, but just a week before filming was set to start, 26 staff members were laid off without warning, causing a major controversy in Hollywood.

According to Variety, the 26 individuals who were laid off spanned various departments including sound, stunts, transportation, and hair, with the shocking inclusion of Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator Freddy Poohl and Stallone's 14-year stunt double Chad Gregory.

"I've Never Seen Such a Replacement in 30 Years" Expressing Anger

Freddy Poohl expressed his anger in an interview with Deadline, stating, "I have worked in this industry for 30 years and participated in several seasons of the show, but I have never seen such a personnel change in this manner." He revealed that he was notified of his layoff two weeks before the start date and believed his job was secure when he signed a two-year contract with Stallone in 2024.

An even more serious issue is that the wages of the laid-off staff have been reposted. Chad Gregory learned through a friend that his job was reposted with a pay increase from $250 to $400 per day, stating, "I know business is business, but I cannot accept being shocked in this way."

Production Proceeding Without a Creative Showrunner

Season 4 is raising industry concerns as it has entered production without an official showrunner. The showrunner for Season 1, Terence Winter, left after Season 2, and Dave Erickson, who took over for Season 3, departed due to creative conflicts with Stallone.

Winter has returned as head writer and executive producer for Season 4, but he is only active in LA and is not participating in the Atlanta filming. According to Freddy Poohl, Scott Stone, an executive at 101 Studios, stated, "We will not have a showrunner. 101 is the showrunner." This is an unusual situation where the production company directly controls both the creative and production sides, raising concerns about the quality of the work and the production process.

Meanwhile, Season 4 will see Gretchen Mol from 'Boardwalk Empire' joining as Tulsa politician Amanda Clarke, with the release of Season 4 expected in 2026.