Garrett Hedlund Reveals Scrapped TRON Sequel Story and Talks Tulsa King Season 4

Garrett Hedlund discusses Mitch Keller’s future, the lessons he learned from Sylvester Stallone and an abandoned TRON: Legacy sequel that would have explored Sam Flynn becoming more like his father.

Garrett Hedlund has spent more than two decades building an impressive career across film and television, from the Texas football drama Friday Night Lights to Disney’s visually groundbreaking TRON: Legacy. Now, as Mitch Keller in Paramount+’s hit crime drama Tulsa King, Hedlund continues to explore new sides of a character whose future has become increasingly connected to Sylvester Stallone‘s Dwight Manfredi.

With Tulsa King entering its fourth season and already renewed for a fifth, the series has grown into something much bigger than its original premise. What began as the story of a New York mobster rebuilding his life in Oklahoma has evolved into an expanding criminal empire filled with memorable personalities, complicated relationships, and unexpected opportunities.

During my conversation with Hedlund for Nerdtropolis, we discussed the show’s remarkable success, the importance of its passionate audience, and the creative partnership between Stallone, Taylor Sheridan, and Terence Winter.

Hedlund also opened up about Mitch Keller’s latest ambitions, including his move into the world of horse racing, and shared how working alongside Stallone has influenced his career, personal life and approach to fatherhood.

However, our conversation eventually moved beyond Tulsa and into the digital frontier.

As someone who considers TRON: Legacy one of the coolest science fiction films ever made, I couldn’t resist asking Hedlund about the possibility of returning as Sam Flynn. His response offered a fascinating glimpse into the abandoned sequel that he and director Joseph Kosinski had planned, including an intriguing storyline about Sam gradually becoming more like his father, Kevin Flynn.

Even more exciting, Hedlund made it clear that he hasn’t completely ruled out returning to the franchise.

Garrett Hedlund Credits Tulsa King Fans for Keeping the Series Alive

When Tulsa King first premiered, much of the attention naturally centered on Sylvester Stallone making his debut as the lead of a scripted television series.

The enthusiastic response from viewers helped Tulsa King build momentum, paving the way for additional seasons and an even bigger future for the series.

Among them is Mitch Keller, a former rodeo star and bar owner whose friendship with Dwight has placed him at the center of an increasingly complicated criminal organization.

During our conversation, I mentioned how Tulsa King has become one of the most talked-about shows within my own family. With a fifth season already announced, I wanted to know whether Hedlund ever imagined Mitch’s journey would continue for this long.

“Sort of unforeseeable,” Hedlund admitted.

He explained that the uncertainty surrounding any television production makes it difficult to predict how far a character or storyline might go.

“You never know how far it’s going to go. You never know how far anybody wants to go. You never knew how far Sly wanted to take this.”

While strong storytelling helped maintain the show’s creative momentum, Hedlund believes the audience ultimately became its greatest source of motivation.

“You know what always reinvigorated it was the story. Something would happen in the story, Terry would write something, or really, what am I saying? It was the fans’ reaction to it. It was the viewership.”

Hedlund explained that seeing audiences continue to embrace the series made an enormous difference, particularly during moments when the demands of production became exhausting.

“When he would be at his most fatigued, and he’d see that even if he didn’t believe in it or what have you, the fans did. Nothing’s more reinvigorating than that.”

That support helped the series maintain its momentum and eventually move into additional seasons.

“All of a sudden, three and four are off to the races. And so it really goes to show how much projects like this owe to the fans.”

Hedlund also acknowledged that the series could have ended much earlier.

“It’s a fan-backed show, and that’s not like tooting anything. It’s just a beautiful thing that this very easily could have not went beyond one or two.”

His appreciation for the audience reflects something particularly important about the success of Tulsa King. While Stallone remains the face of the franchise, the supporting cast has developed a loyal following of its own.

I shared that perspective directly with Hedlund, telling him that audiences may have initially come for Stallone, but they stayed for the entire ensemble.

“Beautiful to say,” he responded.

The Creative Partnership Behind Tulsa King’s Success

Beyond its audience, Hedlund believes the show’s creative leadership has played an essential role in developing its characters and expanding its world.

He specifically highlighted the collaboration between Terence Winter, Taylor Sheridan and Sylvester Stallone, recognizing how each brings a different perspective to the series.

“The writing’s been great within it,” Hedlund explained.

He pointed to Winter’s previous work on The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, along with Sheridan’s role in creating Tulsa King, as important foundations for the show’s storytelling.

Hedlund also emphasized how Stallone contributes far more than his performance as Dwight Manfredi.

“The manifestation that went on within the two of those copiloting the creative side, then the addition of Sly and everything that he brings to it creatively, the writing that he does, the marionetting of characters.”

For Hedlund, the combination of these creative voices gives the series a distinct personality.

“It’s a creative force between the three of them that pump air into these lungs.”

The partnership has helped Tulsa King balance its organized crime storylines with character-driven moments, humor, and relationships that give the series its emotional foundation.

Those qualities have also allowed characters such as Mitch Keller to develop beyond their original roles.

Rather than existing simply as another member of Dwight’s organization, Mitch has increasingly explored his own ambitions, taken on unfamiliar responsibilities, and found opportunities to build something for himself.

Mitch Keller Takes a Gamble on Horse Racing in Season 4

One of the qualities I’ve always found interesting about Mitch Keller is his personal moral code.

Although he operates alongside people who frequently bend or break the rules, Mitch tends to approach situations with a sense of loyalty and practical judgment.

I asked Hedlund whether that moral compass would continue guiding Mitch in Season 4 and whether there might be a line he would refuse to cross, even for Dwight.

His response focused on Mitch’s maturity and willingness to challenge himself.

“Mitch approaches everything with a certain bit of wisdom. But if it’s something outside of the ordinary, he’s certainly fearless to approach it and give it a try, give it a swing.”

Hedlund pointed to Mitch’s involvement with the auto shop as an example of the character embracing responsibilities that did not necessarily come naturally to him.

“Obviously, we saw that with the auto shop. It wasn’t necessarily his comfort zone being front and center, being the salesman and doing the pitch and doing the dance for something.”

However, Season 4 introduces an opportunity that connects more closely with Mitch’s background and personality.

“We got to go out with the old and in with the new,” Hedlund teased.

He then revealed that Mitch would become involved in the world of horse racing, a direction that feels particularly fitting considering his history as a rodeo rider.

“Now is a little something that’s a little more of the nectar in his veins: horse racing.”

For Hedlund, the new storyline creates opportunities to explore Mitch’s interests while introducing a different environment to the series.

“And getting to lay his cards down in the world of that, which I think is going to be a new, fresh sort of world that’s going to excite not only the folks of Tulsa, but the mischievous men, women, gamblers afar.”

Horse racing opens the door to another world filled with competition, money, ambition, and personalities who may not always have the best intentions.

Considering Tulsa King’s established combination of legitimate business ventures and criminal activity, the setting also creates opportunities for new conflicts.

Hedlund did not reveal how deeply Mitch’s involvement in horse racing will affect Dwight’s organization, but his enthusiasm suggests the storyline will provide a meaningful change of pace for the character.

It also reinforces how Tulsa King continues finding ways to expand its world without abandoning the personalities audiences have grown attached to.

Garrett Hedlund Reveals What Sylvester Stallone Has Taught Him About Life

Working alongside Sylvester Stallone for several seasons has given Hedlund the opportunity to observe one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars up close.

Stallone’s career is filled with stories of persistence, from his determination to bring Rocky to the screen to his continued involvement with major franchises decades later.

Naturally, I wanted to know whether spending so much time with the legendary actor had changed Hedlund’s own outlook on Hollywood or influenced how he approaches his career.

His answer went much deeper than acting. “Resilience comes to mind. Grit, resilience,” Hedlund told me.

He explained that Stallone’s ability to keep fighting for his creative ambitions represents one of the most important lessons he has taken from their relationship.

“Sly’s got a big love for the underdog and the fight that it takes to not only be a part of the game, but to sustain in the game, to maintain relevancy, spice things up, keep things new, always keep trudging forward.”

Hedlund believes Stallone’s decades of experience demonstrate the determination required to build a career while continuously adapting to an unpredictable entertainment industry.

“You don’t get more resilient than Sly.”

He pointed to Stallone’s reflections on creating some of his most recognizable films as evidence of that dedication.

“Every story that he tells about the making of Rocky, the making of Rambo, and Expendables and everything else. These wouldn’t have happened without him and without that effort of the guy continuously doing the work when nobody’s looking.”

For Hedlund, those stories are more than interesting pieces of Hollywood history.

They represent an example he actively tries to follow in his own life.

“That’s what inspires me. That’s the example I try to take from him within my own life, within my own creative ventures, within my world as being a father, within following my passions as well.”

His response revealed just how much his relationship with Stallone extends beyond their work on Tulsa King.

Hedlund emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people whose dedication, values, and accomplishments encourage you to become better.

“You need those people around that are setting such a northern star,” Hedlund explained.

“Because you become those in your circle, whether you like it or not.”

He concluded his thoughts with an especially meaningful reflection on their friendship.

“Having Sly in my circle makes every one of my days more beautiful.”

It was one of the most personal moments of our conversation.

While viewers primarily see the relationship between Dwight and Mitch on screen, Hedlund’s comments make it clear that his appreciation for Stallone exists well beyond their fictional partnership.

Garrett Hedlund Reveals the Abandoned TRON: Legacy Sequel Story

Of course, I couldn’t end our conversation without discussing a franchise that holds a particularly special place in my heart.

Disney’s TRON: Legacy remains one of my favorite science fiction films, and its combination of stunning visuals, unforgettable music, and imaginative world-building continues to make it an incredibly unique cinematic experience.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film introduced Hedlund as Sam Flynn, the son of Kevin Flynn, played by Jeff Bridges.

Sam’s journey into the Grid led him to discover what happened to his father while confronting the dangerous digital world Kevin helped create.

Although the film concluded with Sam returning to the real world alongside Quorra, played by Olivia Wilde, it also left plenty of possibilities for another chapter.

With TRON: Ares continuing the franchise, I wanted to know whether Hedlund could ever see himself returning as Sam Flynn and potentially addressing some of the storylines left unresolved by Legacy.

Hedlund responded with the words fans have been waiting to hear.

“Look, it’s always the never say never.”

He then revealed details about the original follow-up that he and Kosinski had planned before Disney ultimately shelved the project.

“The story that they had that we were going to go back and do with Joe Kosinski, the follow-up to Legacy, was a beautiful story.”

According to Hedlund, the abandoned sequel would have opened in an unexpected environment.

“It started in a really wonderful, desolate setting, something that really explained that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.”

Most intriguingly, the story would have explored Sam Flynn’s transformation as he gradually began following a path that resembled his father’s.

“Sam himself had kind of started to resemble Kevin Flynn more than he ever knew he would.”

For longtime TRON fans, the revelation offers an intriguing glimpse at how the creative team intended to continue Sam’s story.

Kevin Flynn’s journey throughout the franchise was defined by his ambitions, his relationship with technology, and his attempts to create a perfect digital world.

Those ambitions ultimately came at a tremendous personal cost, particularly for Sam, who grew up without his father after Kevin became trapped inside the Grid.

In TRON: Legacy, Sam initially struggled to understand the choices Kevin made and the consequences of his obsession with the digital universe.

The proposed sequel could have explored a fascinating reversal of those circumstances, with Sam confronting characteristics in himself that he once associated with his father.

Hedlund stopped short of revealing exactly what circumstances would have led Sam toward that transformation, but the concept suggests a continuation focused heavily on identity, family, and the consequences of repeating previous generations’ mistakes.

He also made it clear that he was deliberately holding back additional details.

“I’m only kind of teasing that bit to say that I think there’s always a chance at it, and they had something really wonderful to go on to.”

The revelation provides one of the most interesting glimpses yet into the unrealized creative direction behind the original TRON: Legacy follow-up.

Rather than simply returning to the Grid for another visually spectacular adventure, the proposed film would have examined how Sam’s experiences changed him and how his father’s influence continued shaping his life.

For anyone who has spent years hoping for more of Sam Flynn’s story, the possibility of exploring that relationship remains incredibly compelling.

Why Disney Shelved the Original TRON Sequel

Hedlund also shared his understanding of why the original sequel never moved forward.

According to the actor, the decision was connected to changes in Disney’s larger business priorities rather than a lack of creative ambition.

“It’s just at that particular time, Disney had acquired something that allowed them to at that time not have to take a gamble on a new property or a sequel property at that very time.”

Hedlund did not specifically identify the acquisition during our conversation, but he suggested that Disney’s expanding portfolio gave the studio different opportunities to pursue.

As a result, the proposed sequel was placed on the shelf.

“So it was only sort of really shelved because of that.”

His explanation suggests that the project never reached production despite the enthusiasm surrounding its story.

However, Hedlund remains appreciative of the creative team and the potential that still exists within the franchise.

“I think those guys are always kind of excited about the potential of when they’re in is to be able to do it.”

He clarified that he was referring to the broader group of filmmakers and collaborators associated with the TRON universe.

“And by those guys, I mean just the whole creative team around that world.”

While Hedlund’s comments do not confirm that the abandoned sequel has returned to active development, they suggest that he still looks back fondly on what the team had planned.

More importantly, he has not dismissed the possibility of stepping back into Sam Flynn’s shoes.

For a franchise that has continually explored the relationship between humanity and technology, revisiting Sam years after the events of Legacy could offer another opportunity to examine those themes through a character whose personal journey remains unfinished.

Whether that opportunity eventually becomes a reality is another question.

For now, Hedlund’s memories of the abandoned film provide an intriguing reminder of what the TRON franchise might have explored under Kosinski’s direction.

Tulsa King Season 4 Brings New Enemies and Bigger Challenges

The fourth season of Tulsa King finds Dwight Manfredi attempting to legitimize his expanding empire while protecting the people who have become essential to his operation.

However, moving beyond his criminal past is proving increasingly difficult.

Corrupt politicians, dangerous new enemies, and a devastating personal loss threaten everything Dwight has worked to build.

As the pressure intensifies, Dwight must confront difficult truths about loyalty, leadership and the personal consequences of his ambition.

Every new challenge threatens to pull him further toward the same survival instincts that defined his life in New York.

For Mitch Keller and the rest of Dwight’s crew, those circumstances create fresh opportunities for conflict, personal growth, and unexpected alliances.

Alongside Stallone and Hedlund, the fourth season features Martin Starr, Jay Will, Vincent Piazza, Annabella Sciorra, Chris Caldovino, McKenna Quigley Harrington, Frank Grillo, Mike “Cash Flo” Walden, James Russo, Kevin Pollak, Neal McDonough and Dana Delany.

Gretchen Mol also joins the cast as a series regular.

Terence Winter serves as head writer and executive producer. Taylor Sheridan, Stallone, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Thomas Kelly and Keith Cox also executive produce.

With a fifth season already confirmed, the series is continuing to build upon the audience support Hedlund believes has been essential to its longevity.

TULSA KING Season 4 premieres October 16 on Paramount+.

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