Starz continues to expand the world of the Power Universe with a new addition to its upcoming prequel series, Power: Origins. Zuri Reed has been cast as Tasha, the younger version of the character originally portrayed by Naturi Naughton in the flagship series Power.
The upcoming series will explore the early years of James “Ghost” St. James and Tommy Egan, two of the franchise’s most iconic figures. Their younger selves will be played by Spence Moore II as Ghost and Charlie Mann as Tommy, as the story looks back at how the duo began their climb toward becoming major players in New York City’s criminal underworld.
Mekai Curtis will also return to the franchise as Kanan Stark, continuing the storyline he began in Power Book III: Raising Kanan. The series will follow Ghost, Tommy, and Kanan as ambitious young men navigating the streets of New York and beginning the journey that eventually turns them into legends within the world of the franchise.
Starz has described Power: Origins as a “fun, rambunctious exploration” of a new era within the Power Universe, spotlighting the fearless ambition and reckless confidence of young men determined to build reputations and power.
Reed joins a growing ensemble that includes Jason Dirden, reprising his Raising Kanan role as Traymont Stinson, along with Jennifer Ferrin as Tommy’s mother Kate Egan. Additional previously announced cast members include Lizzy DeClement, Lenny Platt, Armani Gabriel, and Everett Osborne.
The recurring cast also features Kelly McCreary as Officer Melanie Rivers, Hill Harper as Detective Burns, Damon Gupton as Detective Glover Archibald, and Tonya Pinkins as Grandma Charlayne, Ghost’s grandmother. Nadia Dajani will reprise her Power Book III: Raising Kanan role as Teresa Boselli, while Dominic Rains is set to recur as Detective Fred Drexel.
Power: Origins is currently the only Power Universe series actively in production following the conclusion of Power Book II: Ghost in 2024 and Power Book IV: Force, which wrapped its three-season run earlier this year. Meanwhile, Power Book III: Raising Kanan will conclude with its upcoming fifth season, premiering June 12.
The prequel will feature 18 episodes in its first season, marking the largest episode order for a series in the franchise to date.
The series is showrun and executive produced by Sascha Penn, who co-wrote the pilot with Power creator Courtney Kemp. Additional executive producers include Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Chris Selak, Kevin Fox, and Pete Chatmon, who will also direct. Lionsgate Television produces the series for Starz.