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Tulsa King vs. Tombstone: A Modern Western Showdown

Sylvester Stallone's Tulsa King: A Modern Western Treat for Tombstone Fans!

Tulsa King and Tombstone: More Alike Than You Think!

Fans of Kurt Russell's classic Western Tombstone, prepare to saddle up! Sylvester Stallone's Tulsa King offers a surprisingly similar experience, a modern twist on those classic Western themes, that's surprisingly fresh, but still retains those original concepts. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a New York mobster banished to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He builds an unlikely criminal empire.  This seems so completely different than Tombstone’s setting! But it really isn't.

Both are based on real stories – the Cowboys gang and a real-life mafioso tale respectively, both starring mega-famous actors in what is arguably their most compelling Western-themed appearances (Russell and Stallone), demonstrating the strength of this choice: choosing specific actors familiar and popular within a certain sub-genre.

Also Read: Tulsa King Season 2: Sylvester Stallone's Mobster Saga Returns

Dana Delany: Bridging the Gap Between Tombstone and Tulsa King

Billy Zane and Dana Delany smiling in the street in Tombstone Image

Dana Delany stars in both Tombstone and Tulsa King, highlighting one extremely crucial element: showing a direct connection between otherwise dramatically different settings.  In Tombstone, she's Josephine MarcusWyatt Earp's love interest (the travelling performer). In Tulsa King, she’s Margaret DevereauxDwight's potential love interest (that badass ranch owner!).  

Despite these vastly different projects, both Margaret and Josephine showcase similar characteristics, both women are shown as extremely powerful and fiercely independent; possessing a distinctly non-traditional romantic viewpoint and both of these characters showcase unique traits relating to those viewpoints.

Also Read: Tulsa King Season 2: Dwight Manfredi Faces New Enemies

Why Tulsa King Works So Well After Tombstone

Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone) in a suit standing in front of a clock and two remotes in Tulsa King Image

While Margaret and Josephine are similar in many aspects, it's their DIFFERENCES that elevate Tulsa King.  The massive shift between the roles Delany assumes show some clear similarities but mostly focus on demonstrating a larger artistic talent, which further builds up and emphasizes Delany’s skill set.

In TombstoneJosephine is almost a "bad influence". She makes Wyatt leave his wife. But Margaret?  She steers Dwight towards self-improvement; especially highlighting those relationships which allow the two to overcome existing anxieties that plague those characters and make for incredibly more successful relationships. That contrast demonstrates those differences, emphasizing this significant development as the underlying change, leading to major changes and showcasing that the original, seemingly "better" direction is not necessarily what was desired here. The differences matter; the characters all reflect a certain artistic ambition and drive on the part of Delany, showcasing that larger artistic intent.

This creative approach uses some common characteristics and focuses on highlighting these key differences between projects and characters that provide a fresh perspective; emphasizing just how adaptable this story and these settings can become.

Also Read: Sylvester Stallone's Tulsa King: A Crime Genre Masterclass?

Dana Delany: The Western Queen Rises Again!

Tulsa King TV Poster Image

Before Tulsa King and Tombstone?  Delany's Western roles are somewhat rare: True Women (a miniseries) and The Outfitters. There was even a surprisingly relevant appearance in Mayans MC season 5. However, Margaret is that much bigger role compared to previous minor and smaller appearances in other shows; highlighting this choice for those viewers and critics that would be completely surprised by seeing how well-suited this particular character was to her. That impressive contrast adds even more impressive nuance to Delany’s ever-expanding career, which greatly adds to those moments which showcase this Western comeback!

 Margaret is possibly her greatest role! Even beyond Tombstone, it is just completely perfect – especially when looking at those appearances in Mayans MC; showing this relatively unique shift into those genres involving modern criminality versus classic Westerns, adding even more dimension.

Also Read: Tulsa King: Is Sylvester Stallone's New Show The Best Gangster Show Ever?

Conclusion: Why Tombstone Fans NEED to Watch Tulsa King

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Tulsa King offers an experience remarkably similar yet satisfyingly different from Tombstone; emphasizing the unique qualities present here versus something completely unrelated. Delany's character; those differences from prior work that were only achieved through this project.   This particular character, which might just be her most interesting one to date. She showcases an impressive change; a surprisingly compelling interpretation, emphasizing her talent, range, and flexibility to become entirely believable for audiences everywhere!

If you loved Tombstone, this is a perfect modern update – blending classic themes with exciting new plots, highlighting an artist's continued growth and ambitions!  Prepare yourselves, for more compelling story arcs and moments that make this an unmissable opportunity. And look for more from Delany as well! This show continues in season 2; promising another opportunity to see Margaret develop further!

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