Starz Sets ‘Power’ Prequel ‘Origins’

'Power'
Omari Hardwick (l.) and Joseph Sikora in 'Power' (Image credit: Starz)

Starz will expand its Power universe by developing a prequel series that follows the origins of popular Power characters Ghost and Tommy.

The Origins series is the fourth spinoff of the Power franchise, following Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan and Power Book IV: Force. Power’s original Ghost and Tommy characters were played by Omari Hardwick and Joseph Sikora, respectively. Sikora reprised that role in Power Book IV: Force, which is currently filming its third season in Chicago. 

“As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Power, it is incredible to witness the enormous connection our fans have with the Power universe,” Starz president of programming Kathryn Busby said in a statement. “We can’t wait to see how Origins will further evolve this dynamic franchise while bringing fresh, gripping and expansive storytelling to our audience.” 

Sascha Penn will serve as executive producer for Origins, along with Courtney Kemp, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Mark Canton. 

Separately, Starz said Ghost will return for a fourth and final season on June 7 and released a Ghost preview. The seasons' 10 episodes will be split up, with the second part beginning on September 6.

“This explosive season of Ghost is a fitting crescendo in a decade of an immensely popular franchise -- fans will not be disappointed,” Busby said in a release. “While this marks the conclusion of one chapter, our commitment to the Power universe endures with more compelling storytelling on the horizon.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.