Source: Blavity / @blavity
In an exclusive Blavity feature, the cast of the hit series Power Book II: Ghost sat down to discuss the show’s legacy and the bonds they’ve formed during the series.
In 2014, a new show premiered on the Starz network, becoming a fan favorite and changing the landscape of television in the process. That show was Power. Ten years later, its spinoff Power Book II: Ghost has attained the same levels of fan loyalty as its final season is set to begin. The cast members of Power Book II: Ghost sat down for a cover profile story with Blavity and Shadow and Act, and spoke about the journey of the show and how they’ve grown closer as a cast.
Michael Rainey Jr., who plays Tariq St. Patrick, revealed that he had some misgivings about the spinoff before it was officially announced. “When they first told us what it was going to be, [or] when they first told me at least, I was like, ‘No, what are you all thinking? This is not going to work.’” He would expound on his initial thoughts: “I’m not saying that because I didn’t trust Courtney and her writing and stuff. I just know the fans really stand on business, and they was not liking Tariq. So I’m like, ‘I don’t know how it’s going to work.’ But it worked.” It also was bolstered by Gianni Paolo, who plays Brayden Weston, and Alix Lapri, who plays Josefina “Effie” Morales as original Power actors being part of the Book II cast.
The addition of superstar Mary J. Blige to play Monet Tejada, along with The New Edition Story star Woody McClain and LaToya Tonodeo and Lovell Adams-Gray as Lorenzo “Cane” Tejada Jr., Diana Tejada and Dru Tejada respectively filled out the show’s universe and added more depth to the show. The cast also spoke about their closeness on and off set. “Just literally coming to work and looking forward to working with people that I’m super close with, super cool with, and just super comfortable with,” Rainey said. “That, within itself, just makes work so much easier and so much more comfortable.” The legacy is also something they spoke about distinctly and feel proud about as actors of color. “We make changes. We make things happen. So I hope that it continues to influence those that need to be influenced,” Tonodeo stated.
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