Starz is betting big again on its flagship crime drama franchise Power, and it’s understandable why. Since the first installment aired on the network on June 7, 2014, it has become one of Starz’s highest-rated shows and one of television’s most-watched series. The network has officially greenlit Power: Origins, an 18-episode order for the series, which will follow the early lives of Power legends James “Ghost” St. Patrick and long-time partner Tommy Egan.
Created by Courtney A. Kemp and executive produced by 50 Cent, Power launched in 2014 and ran for six seasons, ending its original run in 2020. The series followed the double life of James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a smooth-talking nightclub owner trying to go legit while deeply entangled in New York’s brutal drug underworld. While the original show set the initial coordinates, Power Book II: Ghost followed Ghost’s son, Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.), as he struggled with his father’s legacy while carving out a path of his own. That series ran for four seasons and featured an ensemble cast that included Mary J. Blige, Method Man, Woody McClain, and others.
Announced initially in March 2024, the upcoming Power: Origins will trace the early criminal exploits of Ghost and Tommy as “ambitious young entrepreneurs on the rise, determined to make their mark on the streets of New York City.” The official logline describes the series as “a fun, rambunctious exploration of a new period in the Power franchise” that will highlight “the unbridled audacity of young men determined to become legends in the game.” Power: Origins joins a growing catalog of Power-verse entries, including Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force. Sascha Penn, the creative force behind Raising Kanan, will serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer on Power: Origins. Penn promises a story that will both satisfy long-time fans and open new narrative doors:
“Ghost and Tommy’s backstories have fueled years of constant fascination and speculation among fans, and I’m thrilled to be able to answer some long-held questions and share new layers of the story that viewers won’t see coming.”
Who Is Returning for the Upcoming Prequel?
The original stars of Power, Omari Hardwick and Joseph Sikora, won’t return in these younger roles for obvious age reasons. The producers are gearing up for a fresh casting push to find the next generation of St. Patrick and Egan. However, one familiar face will return to the scene: Power Book III: Raising Kanan breakout Mekai Curtis is set to reprise his role as a young Kanan Stark in Origins. No premiere date has been set, but casting announcements are expected in the coming months.
via Collider