Tatiana Zappardino Talks ‘Tulsa King’ Season 2 and Working with Sylvester Stallone [Interview]

Dwight Manfredi’s daughter Tina is making the big move to Oklahoma in the new season of Tulsa King, bringing the Manfredi family close together. With that in mind, it’ll be a good start for some father-daughter time outside of the crime business for a change.

I recently spoke with actress Tatiana Zappardino about her character’s journey in Tulsa King so far and where Tina will end up in Season 2 as she continues to reconnect with her mafia father.

Speaking on her character’s evolution from the first season, Zappardino touched on building her character’s strained relationship with Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight. “My relationship with my own father, who was also born and raised in New York, he wasn’t there for my childhood either. So a lot of that stemmed very easily,” she said.

The Tulsa King co-star went deep into the connection with Tina and how that goes into the second season.

“I know what it’s like to hold on to resentment and let it ruin your life. So I think season 2 is really about, ‘Now that you have him in your life, you’ve already lost 25 years. Now that you have him back, let’s make the most of it.’ And that’s what Season 2 is about for Tina and Dwight.”

Zappardino expressed her excitement about working with Sylvester Stallone on the series as well. “Your goal in life is to work with legends who can just show you the ropes,” she said. “Seeing them work is just an honor and a privilege.”

“He’s just a genuine person who’s very open to people and receptive. He loves what he does so much that you can see it in his work,” Zappardino continued. “That guy doesn’t stop working because he’s also editing, writing, and producing. He’s just nonstop there making the best show he could possibly make.”

As Tina makes the big move to Oklahoma to be close to her father, Zappardino sees the growth of where she is in between seasons.

“In Season 1, she was a pinnacle point of it. She had a lot to say,” she said. “Season 2, I think she’s a little bit more of the background, kind of adjusting to Oklahoma, finding her footing. It feels like I’m just now part of the family.”

Speaking of Oklahoma, she also went into transitioning locations after shooting in the Sooner State and moving down to Atlanta for Season 2.

“So I wasn’t living in Oklahoma. We were only there for the months of filming, and then the SAG strike happened,” Zappardino explained. “The heat in Oklahoma was really, really difficult. It’d be, like 111 sometimes and then the tornado warnings were always going off. So it was a little challenging, filming in Oklahoma even though I really enjoyed the city.”

“But then they chose Atlanta, which I have history here. I’ve lived here. So I have friends. I have family. I was so excited that they moved into Atlanta.”

Regarding getting to know the group, the actress gave some insight into the bonds Tina shares with them. “I think she’s getting to know some of the gang members a little bit. She does form some bonds. Obviously, some more than others.”

She did tease some special connection coming up this season with a specific person.

“I don’t wanna give away anything, but she definitely makes a connection with somebody on the show a little more deep than the others,” Zappardino said. “And I’m sure I’m sure viewers can kinda guess who it is, so I don’t wanna give away too much, but maybe if you suspect something, you’re on the right track.”

Zappardino also offered a few additional hints as to what’s to come for the rest of the season.

“Don’t be too attached to any characters in the show,” she said. “Some will be dying this season. I’m not gonna tell you who, but you’re gonna say goodbye to some people.”

Tulsa King streams every Sunday on Paramount+.

Follow us on X and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!