Neil Pond
Updated on: October 11, 2024 4:08 pm GMT
Terence Winter, renowned for his acclaimed writing on HBO’s “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire,” is preparing for a new chapter with the upcoming second season of “Tulsa King,” which stars Sylvester Stallone as a New York gangster navigating life in Oklahoma. With an impressive background in crime storytelling, Winter has taken a unique approach to this latest series, drawing from personal experiences and a keen understanding of mob culture.
A Childhood Fascination with Crime Stories
Winter’s journey into the world of crime narratives began unexpectedly with the musical “Oliver.” As a child, he was captivated by the storytelling, wanting to be involved in the arts behind it. This interest blossomed with influential films such as “The Sting” and classic gangster movies, which he frequently watched on local television while growing up in Brooklyn.
His childhood gave way to firsthand encounters with organized crime. “When I was a teenager, I worked for a butcher shop that was owned by Paul Castellano, who was the head of the Gambino crime family,” Winter revealed. This early brush with the criminal underworld, along with another job in an illegal casino run by notorious mobster Roy DeMeo, enriched his understanding of how mobsters behave and communicate. “By osmosis, I understood how mobsters act and talk in real life.”
The Transition from New York to Tulsa
While “Tulsa King” leverages Winter’s extensive knowledge about mob life, it also presents new challenges. Unlike the familiar streets of New York, Tulsa offered Winter a different landscape to explore. “I had to make myself Dwight [Stallone’s character],” he said, admitting to the unfamiliarity he felt in his new setting. Winter visited Tulsa to immerse himself in the environment, noting how calm and quiet it was compared to his bustling hometown.
He illustrates the drastic lifestyle changes confronting his protagonist, who has been in prison for 25 years. Following Stallone’s character as he reacquaints himself with daily life, the show spans comedic moments arising from misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge about the modern world.
Balancing Comedy with Mob Life
Winter highlights how comedy is inherently woven into the premise of “Tulsa King.” The humor arises from Dwight’s singular experiences of returning from incarceration to a vastly changed society. “You don’t have to make it gratuitously funny; it’s just there,” Winter noted. Everyday situations such as a driving test or ordering coffee become sources of humor due to Dwight’s unfamiliarity.
Stallone’s natural comedic timing also plays a significant role. Winter emphasized that the familiar interplay between writing and acting is essential for conveying this humor. Stallone, who not only acts but also contributes to the writing process, allows a unique collaboration where both parties refine the script through multiple drafts. “I’ll write a version of something,” Winter explained, describing the back-and-forth creation process.
Expanding the Story in Season 2
With the conclusion of Season 1, Winter approaches the second season with a sense of liberation. “Now we can have a little fun with it,” he shared, reflecting on the groundwork laid previously. Knowing the established characters and their surroundings enables the writers’ room to delve deeper into character backstories and relationships.
Winter expressed excitement over exploring emotional themes, such as the dynamics between Dwight and his daughter and Tyson, played by Jay Will. “What was Dwight’s daughter’s childhood like? What’s Tyson’s relationship with his father like?” These considerations offer rich narratives for development, as the team seeks to maintain the balance of drama and humor that audiences have come to expect.
The Collaborative Writing Process
Winter distinguishes his collaborative writing method from traditional portrayals often depicted in media. He and Stallone engage in a process that emphasizes back-and-forth input rather than simultaneous writing sessions. This model fosters a creative dynamic where each participant’s ideas evolve until they converge on a final product.
Reflecting on the collaborative writing process, Winter emphasized the importance of knowing the characters and their motivations. “Even if we spend three or four hours and don’t come up with anything, we know what’s not going to work,” he explained. This iterative method enhances the seasons’ narratives while ensuring the scripts resonate authentically with the audience.
Upcoming Season Premiere
The second season of “Tulsa King” will start on September 15 on Paramount+. Fans can look forward to a fun mix of comedy, interesting character stories, and the tough world of organized crime that the creator, Winter, is known for. With his great storytelling, fans can expect another exciting season that brings both laughs and drama.
