The allure and vitality of "Power" show no signs of waning. Starz has granted the green light to the fourth spinoff of the iconic series, titled "Power: Origins," thereby expanding the "Power" universe to an impressive fifth series. This new venture, comprising an initial 18-episode season, delves into the beginnings of the beloved OG "Power" characters, Ghost and Tommy. Mekai Curtis, who charmed audiences as young Kanan Stark in "Power Book III: Raising Kanan," will reprise his role, seamlessly bridging the gap between shows. In terms of narrative chronology, "Power: Origins" stands as the direct sequel to "Raising Kanan."
Omari Hardwick portrayed Ghost (James St. Patrick in real life) in the original "Power," while Joseph Sikora brought Tommy Egan to life. However, their ages don't align with the prequel's timeline, necessitating fresh faces for these roles. Casting for the new iterations of Ghost and Tommy is still underway, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sascha Penn, the creative mind behind "Raising Kanan," will helm "Power: Origins" as its showrunner.
Penn expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying, "I'm thrilled to further unravel the origin stories of the founding fathers of the 'Power' Universe. Ghost and Tommy's backgrounds have sparked endless fascination and conjecture among fans for years, and I'm ecstatic to provide answers to lingering questions and unveil new facets of the story that will take viewers by surprise."
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at Starz, added her thoughts, "Our fans have been clamoring for the origin story of Ghost and Tommy since they first appeared in 'Power' – and with this series, we're delivering in grand fashion. This marks an exhilarating new phase in the franchise's journey as we delve deeply into the legacy of these iconic figures and the explosive events that shaped their destiny."
The initial spinoff, "Power Book II: Ghost," served as an immediate sequel to "Power," centering on Ghost's son, James St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.), who followed in his father's drug-dealing footsteps. (Spoiler warning: Ghost met his demise in "Power," hence his ghostly presence in the sequel.) "Power Book II: Ghost" concluded its four-season run in 2024. Meanwhile, Tommy's character is still very much alive in the ongoing (but concluding with its third season this fall) "Power Book IV: Force." "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" is wrapping up with its fifth season, which has already been filmed. Notably, Egan faked his own death at the end of the original "Power."
In terms of television airdate order, the series progression is as follows: "Power," "Power Book II: Ghost," "Power Book III: Raising Kanan," "Power Book IV: Force," and now "Power: Origins." However, in storyline sequence, they unfold like this: "Power Book III: Raising Kanan," "Power: Origins," "Power," "Power Book II: Ghost," and finally, "Power Book IV: Force."
The "Power" Universe series are executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original "Power," Courtney A. Kemp, through her production company, End of Episode. Kemp will also contribute her writing talents to the new series. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson executive produces through G-Unit Film and Television, while Mark Canton does so via Canton Entertainment. Chris Selak and Pete Chatmon also serve as executive producers on "Power: Origins," which is produced by Lionsgate Television. Recently, Starz and Lionsgate completed a long-anticipated separation.
