Matt Lauria, best known for his role as Ryan Wheeler on the gritty mixed‑martial‑arts drama Kingdom, recently opened up about the possibility of revisiting the series. While the actor is currently tied up with the new CBS show Sheriff Country, he hinted that a reunion could happen with surprisingly little fanfare – just a phone call.
What Would It Take for a ‘Kingdom’ Return?
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, the 43‑year‑old Lauria was blunt: “What would it take to get me to do another Kingdom? It would take a phone call. That’s it.” The comment underscores how little logistical red tape stands between the actors and a potential sequel or limited‑run revival. Lauria’s willingness appears genuine, and he added that he would reunite with his former castmates “in a heartbeat.”
Condition: Six Weeks to Reclaim the Six‑Pack
Lauria’s enthusiasm came with a humorous caveat. He joked that he would need about six weeks to get his “six‑pack back” before stepping back onto the mat. “I’m older than when we started. That was in 2014, so 12 years have gone by,” he said, acknowledging the physical demands of portraying a mixed‑martial‑arts trainer. Despite the passage of time, Lauria noted that the rest of the cast still looks “in shape and very active,” suggesting that a reunion could be pulled off quickly if the timing aligns.
The Original ‘Kingdom’ Legacy
Kingdom aired from 2014 to 2017 and quickly earned a reputation for its raw, unflinching look at the world of MMA. The series followed former fighter Alvey Kulina (Frank Grillo) as he struggled to keep his gym afloat while dealing with the personal demons of his two sons and a roster of volatile fighters. Alongside Lauria, the show featured a strong ensemble cast that included:
- Frank Grillo as Alvey Kulina
- Kiele Sanchez as Lisa
- Jonathan Tucker as Ryan Wheeler
- Nick Jonas as Nate Kulina
- Joanna Going as Angela Kulina
The series was praised for its authentic fight choreography, complex character arcs, and the way it tackled themes such as redemption, family loyalty, and the cost of ambition. Many of the actors have spoken about how the show was a career‑defining experience, and Lauria was no exception.
Behind the Scenes: A Possible Reunion in the Works?
Lauria revealed that he recently ran into series co‑creator Byron Balasco, who now writes for CBS and Paramount on shows like NCIS. The two “mumbled about a reunion,” and according to Lauria, there doesn’t seem to be any resistance from the original team. “It was one of the highlights of all of our careers – in terms of the experience we had,” Lauria told Us. While no official green light has been given, the conversation suggests that the creative doors are at least ajar.
What Fans Can Expect If a Revival Happens
If a Kingdom revival moves forward, several elements are likely to shape its direction:
- New Storylines: The original series ended with many unresolved threads. A continuation could explore the next generation of fighters, the evolution of the gym, or the long‑term impact of Alvey’s mentorship.
- Physical Realism: Given the show’s reputation for authentic fight scenes, any new episodes would probably feature rigorous training for the cast, which aligns with Lauria’s six‑week prep comment.
- Expanded Cast: While the core ensemble would likely return, new characters—perhaps female fighters or international contenders—could broaden the narrative scope.
- Streaming Platform: With the rise of premium streaming services, a limited‑run series or special could find a home on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Paramount+.
FAQ
Q: Is Matt Lauria officially signed on for a Kingdom reunion?
A: No formal contract has been announced. Lauria has said he would join “in a heartbeat” if asked, but nothing is official yet.
Q: When did Kingdom originally air?
A: The series ran for three seasons from 2014 to 2017.
Q: Who created the original show?
A: Kingdom was created by Byron Balasco and produced by Lionsgate Television.
Q: Could the reunion be a movie instead of a series?
A: Both formats are possible. A limited‑run series would allow deeper character development, while a feature film could serve as a high‑impact comeback.
Q: What other projects is Matt Lauria working on?
A: Lauria is currently starring in the CBS drama Sheriff Country, where he plays a law‑enforcement officer in a small Texas town.
While fans of Kingdom will have to wait for an official announcement, Matt Lauria’s candid remarks suggest that the door is open. A simple phone call could be all that’s needed to bring back the intense world of Alvey Kulina’s gym, and if the cast can get back in shape, the series could once again deliver the raw, emotional storytelling that made it a cult favorite.
InfluencerBlogger
