Garrett Hedlund’s Mitch Balances ‘2 Love Stories’ in ‘Tulsa King’ Season 3 — Kind Of (Exclusive)

An old flame rocks Mitch Keller’s world during Tulsa King season 3 — but he’s still faithful to Dwight Manfredi above all else.

Garrett Hedlund told Us Weekly exclusively ahead of the third season premiere on Sunday, September 21, that it’s “wonderful” audiences get to see his character “be smitten” by a “beautiful blast from the past” in the form of newcomer Bella Heathcote’s character, Cleo.

She is “that gal that he just can’t let go of, that he can’t quit, that hurts so good,” Hedlund, 41, teased to Us. “You get to see them re-embark on that journey.”

Of course, he added, Mitch will also be involved in the usual “chaos” with the boys as the season progresses, but seeing a softer side of the ex-con isn’t that bad.

Heathcote also told Us that “you just want them to end happily” despite all that goes wrong throughout the season.

“I just want them to work out, but in a sexy, dangerous way. We want sexy chaos,” she continued. “It’s giving sexy chaos.”

Heathcote did tease that her character is initially quite skeptical about Dwight (Sylvester Stallone).

“She’s like, ‘What is it about this guy that you just believe everything he tells you?’ I think Cleo is quite wary of it — and also maybe a little wary of you,” she told Us, referencing Hedlund. “I mean, you don’t have a great track record [with] prison and all.”

Hedlund joked, “I’ve just been so devoted to this man.”

Heathcote explained that Cleo is learning about Mitch’s “love story with Dwight” while navigating their own relationship.

“So, you’ve got two love stories. You’ve got the bromance,” she quipped. “I’m gonna have to share you with Dwight, and I can accept that.”

The actress concluded, “I do feel like Cleo becomes part of this, an honorary member of this gang, and I feel like she finds this family that she didn’t know she’d always wanted.”

As the season goes on, viewers will see their onscreen chemistry is palpable, and Hedlund couldn’t help but praise his costar, calling her a “wonderful gift and surprise” for season 3.

“I think audiences are going to enjoy seeing a sweeter side of Mitch, I think it brings a little grounded energy to the series that’s explosive at times from one form of chaos to the next,” Hedlund shared with Us during the Tulsa King season 3 red carpet on Tuesday, September 16. “So it’s a treat to do that with Bella, a wonderful actress. A wonderful human.”

Tulsa King season 3 airs new episodes on Paramount+ every Sunday.