Stallone’s Paycheck for Tulsa King Skyrockets After Record-Breaking Season 2 – Find Out the Shocking Amount!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Sylvester Stallone’s role as Dwight “The General” Manfredi in Tulsa King has captivated audiences since the series premiered in November 2022. As a veteran actor with a longstanding career in Hollywood, Stallone’s involvement in this successful Paramount+ series has sparked significant interest in his earnings, particularly as the show has grown in popularity and critical acclaim. The series has been renewed for multiple seasons, with Season 2 receiving a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing even House of the Dragon in viewership numbers. So, just how much money has Stallone made for his starring role? Let’s break it down.
Earnings by Season: A Detailed Breakdown
Stallone’s earnings for Tulsa King have evolved as the series gained momentum, with his compensation reflecting both the show’s growing success and his own star power. The following table summarizes the reported earnings for each season of Tulsa King, based on various sources.
| Season | Reported Earnings per Episode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (2022) | $750,000 | This aligns with Variety’s 2022 report on top TV salaries, ranging from $750,000 to $1 million per episode, including bonuses. |
| Season 2 (2024) | $1.5 million | Reported by Collider, reflecting increased viewership (2 million global views on premiere day) and critical acclaim. |
| Seasons 3 and 4 (Future) | Expected pay bump, amount TBD | Collider reports negotiations for a higher salary, but exact figures are not yet public as of April 2025. |
Discrepancies in Reporting: What Do the Numbers Mean?
While some sources, including Cheatsheet and Parade, report Stallone earning $1 million per episode, this figure likely represents an average or early estimate, possibly applying to the first season before adjustments for increased success. For instance, Variety‘s report on top TV salaries cited a range of $750,000 to $1 million per episode, which aligns with the $750,000 per episode figure for Season 1.
However, Collider offers a clearer and more recent breakdown, citing Deadline and other sources, which indicate that Stallone earned $750,000 per episode in Season 1 and saw a significant increase to $1.5 million per episode in Season 2. This pay raise aligns with industry trends, where TV salaries often rise as a series gains popularity, especially for big stars like Stallone. In Season 2, Tulsa King saw remarkable success, with its premiere episode drawing 2 million global views on the first day and averaging over 10 million households within 35 days. This success likely justified the $1.5 million per episode salary for Stallone.
Industry Context: How Tulsa King‘s Success Influenced Stallone’s Pay
The variation in Stallone’s pay highlights a broader trend in the television industry, where actor salaries can escalate depending on the success and viewership of a show. Tulsa King’s second season proved to be a major hit, with viewership numbers up by 8% from Season 1. Paramount+ would have likely used this success to justify the increase in Stallone’s salary, particularly given his role as both the star and an executive producer on the show.
The growing success of Tulsa King is even more impressive considering the show’s strong debut, which continued to build an audience thanks to Stallone’s presence and the show’s compelling premise of a mobster building a criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The franchise is positioned as a significant player alongside other successful shows like Yellowstone, making it even more crucial for Paramount+ to retain Stallone as a key part of the series.
What’s Next for Stallone?
Looking ahead, Tulsa King has already been renewed for at least two more seasons, with negotiations indicating that Stallone’s salary could see another bump as the show continues to gain popularity. As of April 2025, details on his salary for Seasons 3 and 4 remain unclear, but reports suggest that discussions are already underway to adjust his pay for future seasons, reflecting both the show’s success and Stallone’s ongoing role as its central star.
Conclusion: A Reward for Success
Dwayne Johnson has been a long-time box office draw, but Stallone’s recent salary for Tulsa King highlights how his star power is still strong, especially in TV. Starting with $750,000 per episode in Season 1, his salary has grown to $1.5 million in Season 2, thanks to the show’s rising popularity and critical success. With at least two more seasons on the horizon, it’s clear that Stallone’s role in Tulsa King has become a major part of his career, proving that his earnings in TV are reflective of both his talent and the show’s performance.
While the exact figures for future seasons are still up in the air, Stallone’s position as a leading man in Tulsa King is well-earned, and it’s safe to expect further pay increases as the series continues to thrive.