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Matt Lauria says a reunion of the cult MMA drama Kingdom is possible — even as he films the new Paramount+ series Sheriff Country. The actor teases that bringing the original cast back together would be simple, provided the right call comes through. Read on for what Lauria, co-stars and creators are plotting and how his current role shapes his availability.
Lauria: a reunion needs just one prompt
Asked about returning to Kingdom, Lauria was matter-of-fact. He suggested the barrier to a comeback is small.
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According to the actor, the key requirement is straightforward: a single invitation. Lauria said he would sign on quickly — though he joked about needing time to rebuild his physical look from the original show. He noted the cast still seems fit and capable of recreating the series’ intense energy.
“A phone call,” he implied would be enough to restart talks. And he added that a short training window would get him ready.
Where the original creative team stands
Conversations among the show’s creative figures appear promising. Lauria mentioned a chance encounter with Byron Balasco, one of Kingdom’s co-showrunners. Balasco now works within the CBS/Paramount universe, and the two discussed the idea of reuniting.
The actor described their exchange as warm and optimistic. He emphasized that no one he’d spoken to publicly opposed bringing the show back, and that the original run had been a career highlight for many involved.
Who might return: the original cast
- Frank Grillo — series lead and vocal supporter of a revival
- Jonathan Tucker — former castmate involved in early talks
- Kiele Sanchez — original series regular
- Nick Jonas — part of the ensemble that drew attention
- Joanna Going — original cast member
- Plus Matt Lauria and other fighters from the show’s roster
Frank Grillo and co-stars plotting a short run
Frank Grillo has publicly signaled he’s ready to reassemble the team. Grillo told reporters he and Jonathan Tucker had already exchanged ideas, and that Byron Balasco had been involved in discussions.
The trio have discussed possibilities like a limited continuation. Grillo floated the concept of returning for an abbreviated set of episodes to close storylines and revisit characters.
They talked about an eight-episode arc as one realistic option to bring Kingdom back without committing to a long series order.
Lauria’s present focus: Sheriff Country
While open to Kingdom, Lauria remains committed to his current project. He plays Boone on Sheriff Country, a role that has given him a different emotional palette to explore.
Lauria described Boone as someone who has learned to accept his new community and to confront buried feelings. That arc has allowed the character to reveal personal surprises, including a secret past that the actor hopes may be examined further if Sheriff Country continues.
Sheriff Country is streaming on Paramount+, where viewers can watch Lauria’s performance now.
What Boone’s journey adds to Lauria’s schedule
- Boone’s story demands physical and emotional commitment.
- Exploring the character’s secrets would require additional seasons.
- Lauria remains available for other projects, but timing would be key.
Realistic next steps for a Kingdom revival
Any reunion will depend on coordination among cast, writers and networks. Lauria’s comments suggest goodwill and enthusiasm among those who starred in the original series.
Industry touches — from creative interest to network backing — would be required to move forward. Early chatter, informal calls and a shared desire to give fans closure could spark a formal pitch.
If executives pick up the idea, actors say they’d respond quickly. That momentum and a compact episode order are the likeliest path to a brief but satisfying return.
