Reports emerged Monday of an Atlanta-based casting company having bailed on Taylor Sheridan’s second season of “Tulsa King” amid complaints about Sylvester Stallone’s alleged behavior.
Stallone stars in the hit Paramount+ series from Sheridan, which just entered production on its second season. But apparently the background actors on the set were sick of working with Stallone because he allegedly kept making disparaging comments, according to Deadline. Rose Locke Casting was reportedly brought on to source actors aged 18 and up for the show but apparently things didn’t work out.
“We wanted to send you an update on the happenings here in our casting world. We have chosen to part ways with Tulsa King. We will be finishing up next week and the 12th will be our last day. We send well wishes to whomever takes over the show. We thank all of you great background artists for your continued support,” the company wrote on their official Facebook page.
Got this disturbing news from my Atlanta friend who’s background on Tulsa King this wk. Casting agent quit because she was so disgusted. My friend is feeling anxious about working now. @TheSlyStallone what do you have to say for yourself, sir? Beyond disappointed, I’m livid. pic.twitter.com/EYEuiaWtkf
— Julie Benson (@TheJulieBenson) April 9, 2024
Stallone and one of the show’s directors allegedly called some of the background actors “ugly,” a “tub of lard” and “fat guy with cane,” Deadline reported. Stallone also allegedly suggested production hire “pretty young girls to be around me,” and it was unclear in what context these comments were made, according to the outlet. (RELATED: Jon Hamm Joins The Next Massively Anticipated Taylor Sheridan Series)
Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi of the Paramount+ original series TULSA KING. Photo Cr: Walter Thomson/Paramount+. © 2022 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Behind the scenes with Sylvester Stallone and A.C. Peterson of the Paramount+ original series TULSA KING. Photo Cr: Brian Douglas/Paramount+. © 2022 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi of the Paramount+ original series TULSA KING. Photo Cr: Brian Douglas/Paramount+. © 2022 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.
“Several groups are talking about what happened on the set of Tulsa King filming in Atlanta,” another woman claimed on social media, Deadline reported. “At first I had hoped it was just a bad rumor started by 1 person who may have felt some type of way; but there have been countless people who were on set and have stated what they saw, how they were treated, etc. Sadly Sly Stallone and crew made things miserable for the background artists and many have said the set was completely unprofessional and a total mess. Although I have not personally worked with Rose Locke & CL Casting…I have great respect for them for pulling out of the project and looking out for their background artists.”
Rumors Erupt Over Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Tulsa King’ But It’s Not What It Seems | @DailyCaller https://t.co/U2lqJjUOhz
— KAY SMYTHE (@KaySmythe) March 12, 2024
“Tulsa King” officially started production on season two in early April. We’re hoping to see the results before the end of 2024, especially after the enormous cliffhanger ending to season one.
Rose Locke Casting and Paramount+ did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller’s request for comment or confirmation of the situation.