The actor behind Cal Thresher opens up about Taylor Sheridan’s biggest surprises, working with Sylvester Stallone and why the Hollywood legend deserves an Emmy.
TULSA KING Season 4 isn’t wasting any time delivering surprises, and Neal McDonough believes audiences aren’t prepared for what’s coming.
The hit Paramount+ crime drama returns with Sylvester Stallone as Dwight Manfredi, the New York mobster who has built an increasingly powerful criminal empire in Oklahoma. However, the new season threatens everything Dwight has worked to establish as corrupt politicians, dangerous enemies, and devastating personal challenges push him closer to his breaking point.
McDonough returns as Cal Thresher, the wealthy businessman turned governor whose political ambitions have added another layer of tension to Dwight’s complicated world.
In an exclusive interview with Nerdtropolis, I spoke with McDonough about the explosive opening episode, Taylor Sheridan’s unpredictable storytelling, and his experience sharing the screen with Stallone.
Having already watched the first three episodes, I told McDonough how difficult it would be to keep the season’s surprises to myself. His response only reinforced how dramatically the new season begins.
“It’s a tough one,” McDonough admitted.
“You know, the first episode starts out, you know, it’s pure drama. And I think the audiences are going to be shocked at some of the things that happened. But that’s what makes for great television.”
Without revealing any major plot details, McDonough made one thing clear: Taylor Sheridan knows exactly how to grab an audience’s attention.
Neal McDonough Teases a Shocking Tulsa King Season 4 Premiere
Throughout its run, TULSA KING has balanced organized crime, dark humor, shifting alliances, and unexpected betrayals. Season 4 appears ready to take those elements even further.
When I asked McDonough whether he needed time to process what happened after reading the opening episode, his answer surprised me.
“No, no, no, I wasn’t at all,” he said.
“Without giving any story points away, I think that Taylor again is a master at suspense and drama and oh my goodness moments. And I think the first episode really encapsulates exactly his thought process.”
McDonough explained that today’s crowded television landscape makes it increasingly important for shows to capture viewers immediately.
“I think the first episode, you come out of the gate swinging, and that’s what you have to do nowadays because there’s so many shows on television.”
He believes Sheridan understands the importance of keeping audiences emotionally invested, particularly when viewers have countless streaming options competing for their attention.
“How do you keep them? Well, you got to keep your audiences, you know, engaged and in their seats and oh my goodness moments. And no one does it like Taylor Sheridan.”
Why Taylor Sheridan’s Unpredictable Storytelling Works
One of the things I’ve appreciated most about TULSA KING is how each season develops its own personality while maintaining Dwight’s complicated journey.
Season 4 follows Dwight as he attempts to legitimize his empire while protecting the people closest to him. Every victory carries consequences, and the growing conflict between his ambitions and his loyalty threatens to pull him back toward the violent instincts he developed in New York.
McDonough has experienced Sheridan’s storytelling across multiple projects, including YELLOWSTONE and TULSA KING.
“I’ve been so blessed to be part of his universe from, you know, from Yellowstone to Tulsa King and whoever knows what’s next. It’s been fantastic.”
For viewers expecting another familiar chapter in Dwight’s journey, McDonough’s comments suggest they should be prepared for anything.
No spoilers, but the premiere promises some major surprises.
Neal McDonough Says Sylvester Stallone Deserves an Emmy
Beyond the twists and escalating drama, McDonough had plenty to say about sharing the screen with Sylvester Stallone.
I’ve always enjoyed watching the chemistry between Cal Thresher and Dwight Manfredi. Their scenes bring together two actors who understand how to command attention without needing to dominate every moment.
When I asked McDonough about working with Stallone, he delivered an enthusiastic defense of the Hollywood icon’s acting abilities.
“Well, here’s a guy who grew up in New York. He knew all this world as a kid, but yet he was never invited to the Reindeer Games.”
McDonough pointed out that Stallone never received the same opportunities to appear in celebrated mob films from directors such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.
For McDonough, TULSA KING finally provides Stallone with the opportunity to embrace a world that feels connected to his upbringing.
“You finally let the lion out of the pen because here’s a guy who grew up with this and now he finally gets to be it.”
McDonough believes Stallone’s decades of experience make him especially effective as Dwight Manfredi. His understanding of what works on screen allows him to bring authenticity to a character whose personality reflects his New York roots.
Why Neal McDonough Wants Hollywood to Recognize Stallone
McDonough didn’t hold back when discussing the awards recognition he believes Stallone deserves.
“Will the Emmys or the Golden Globe people finally realize Sylvester Stallone isn’t just Sylvester Stallone? He’s one of the greatest, if not, you know, top 10, top 5 greatest actors of all time.”
He continued with an even stronger statement.
“Give him an award. Give it to him because he deserves it more than anybody.”
His admiration goes beyond simple professional respect. McDonough revealed that helping Stallone receive major recognition became one of his personal goals while working on the series.
“I kept on telling him right from the very beginning, my job here is to help get you an award. That’s my job.”
McDonough described Stallone as an American icon whose contributions to entertainment deserve greater recognition.
“And whatever I could do during my time on Tulsa King, that was my goal because he’s an American icon and hero.”
For an actor who has spent decades portraying some of Hollywood’s most memorable heroes and villains, McDonough’s appreciation for Stallone’s work speaks to the respect between the two performers.
Cal Thresher’s Transformation From Businessman to Governor
While TULSA KING thrives on its larger-than-life characters, their appearances also help tell the story.
Cal Thresher has always maintained a distinctive look, frequently appearing in carefully tailored suits that reflect his wealth, influence, and confidence.
During our conversation, I couldn’t resist asking McDonough about Cal’s impressive wardrobe and whether stepping into those clothes helped him reconnect with the character.
“His suits were always just perfect,” he explained.
“The wardrobe department, they were just incredible. I mean, they went through painstaking detail to make sure each shirt, each suit, each cufflink was perfect.”
However, Cal’s political transformation also brought a noticeable change to his appearance.
As the businessman pursued the governor’s office, his wardrobe began incorporating a more relaxed Western style.
“When I was running for governor, getting to wear jean shirts and jeans and cowboy boots was such a, whoa, that’s Cal Thresher.”
Interestingly, McDonough revealed that the updated style wasn’t far removed from his real-life preferences.
“Which is basically what I wear all the time,” he explained, pointing out that he was wearing cowboy boots and a large belt buckle during our interview.
The change gives Cal another dimension as his influence expands from business into politics.
“I loved Cal Thresher. I love playing him. I love everything about him. It’s been a blast.”
Neal McDonough Recalls an Emotional Conversation With Stan Lee
Before wrapping up our conversation, I wanted to revisit another important part of McDonough’s career.
As someone who grew up watching Marvel’s animated shows throughout the 1990s, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask about his experience voicing Bruce Banner in THE INCREDIBLE HULK animated series.
McDonough worked alongside a remarkable collection of performers during that era, including Lou Ferrigno and Mark Hamill.
However, one of his strongest memories involved Marvel legend, Stan Lee.
“I remember sitting on the set, you know, we’re recording The Incredible Hulk, and, you know, Lou Ferrigno’s next to me, Cathy Ireland’s on the other side of me, Mark Hamill is in the room.”
He recalled noticing Lee sitting quietly in the corner, appearing unusually discouraged.
Curious about what was bothering him, McDonough approached Lee and asked what was wrong.
According to McDonough, Lee expressed concern that his creations might never receive the big-screen treatment he had hoped to see.
“I don’t think they’re ever going to make any of my movies ever again on TV,” McDonough recalled Lee saying.
His response to the legendary comic book creator was simple.
“They will. They’ll get back around.”
Of course, Marvel would eventually become one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history, with Lee making memorable cameo appearances across numerous films.
Looking back, McDonough expressed his appreciation for knowing Lee before that extraordinary transformation.
“To get to know him as well as I did way back in the ’90s, that was one of the loveliest men that I’ve ever gotten a chance to hang out with.”
From Marvel Animation to Taylor Sheridan’s Television Universe
For McDonough, those early voice-acting opportunities helped establish a career that would eventually span animation, major films, and some of television’s most recognizable dramas.
“My whole career really started back in the ’90s with doing all the voiceovers for all those cartoons that I did.”
His work has since brought him into numerous popular franchises, from the Marvel universe to YELLOWSTONE and TULSA KING.
McDonough also revealed that he continues to enjoy voice acting, including a new animated project alongside his daughter London.
“To do those things together, and it’s just— I’m the luckiest dude I know.”
It’s a fitting reflection from an actor whose enthusiasm for his work remains evident after decades in the industry.
As TULSA KING enters its fourth season, Dwight Manfredi faces growing threats to his empire, complicated political conflicts, and challenges that will test his leadership like never before.
McDonough isn’t revealing what’s waiting around the corner, but his excitement about Sheridan’s storytelling suggests viewers should expect the unexpected.
For those ready to return to Tulsa, the opening episode should provide plenty to discuss.
TULSA KING Season 4 premieres October 16, 2026, exclusively on Paramount+.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
