Uh oh, roomies. Starz is continuing to shake things up by announcing that a series in the ‘Power’ universe has been canceled.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect castmate Michael Rainey Jr.’s reaction to the Starz announcement.
Here’s What’s Going Down
According to Deadline, Starz has canceled ‘Power Book II: Ghost.’ The decision means the show’s upcoming fourth season will serve as its last.
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Additionally, the outlet reports that the final season will be broken into two parts. The first half of the season will air beginning on June 7. Meanwhile, the final half of the season will air beginning on September 6.
Deadline adds that the decision arrived after Starz CEO Jeffrey Hirsh revealed the new plans to develop more shows. This reportedly will cost Starz less since the expenses to sustain a series are reportedly higher.
“You look at the [Power] map and say, ‘OK, if I take one of those characters out and spin one of those out, I can bring that on to replace the Power show at half the cost.’ Now, I’m putting a lot of money right to the bottom line,” Hirsh reportedly explained. “And I’m really not losing anything in terms of acquisition costs and subscriber viewership, because we know what those demos want. And we know how to line those up. And so that’s really the core of getting to that 20% [margin] — turning that slate over with fresh content to drive the business.”
Here’s What Fans Can Expect In The Show’s Final Season
According to the outlet, Kathryn Busby, the President of Programming at Starz, released a statement about the final season of ‘Ghost.’ Busby believes that although fans may be disappointed by the “conclusion” of the series, they won’t be disappointed with its final storyline.
“This explosive season of ‘Ghost’ is a fitting crescendo in a decade of an immensely popular franchise — fans will not be disappointed,” she stated. “While this marks the conclusion of one chapter, our commitment to the Power Universe endures with more compelling storytelling on the horizon.”
Deadline reports that season 4 of ‘Ghost’ will see Tarique, played by Michael Rainey Jr., and Brayden, played by Gianni Paolo, teaming up “against the world as they form new alliances and find their way back into the game.”
However, things appear to get off track when Brayden “starts flirting with a reckless new lifestyle.”
Ultimately, Tarique will reportedly be left wondering if both he and his best friend can make it to the top of the game.
The outlet adds that other key characters in the series will also face life-altering decisions.
Michael Rainey Jr. Shares His Reaction To The News
On Thursday, Rainey Jr. took to Instagram Live to share his reaction to Starz’s announcement. The actor shared that he found out about the cancelation of ‘Ghost’ at the “same time” as the public.
However, the actor also told fans not to be worried.
Starz Also Made Another Major Announcement About The ‘Power’ Universe
The update on ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ isn’t the only announcement that’s shaken ‘Power’ fans this week. As The Shade Room previously reported, Starz recently announced a prequel series for ‘Power.’
The show will reportedly be called ‘Origins’ and explore the story of James St. Patrick, also known as Ghost, and his best friend, Tommy Egan. To note, the characters are played by Omari Hardwick and Joseph Sikora, respectively.
Busby reportedly shared a statement about this recent announcement as well.
“As we approach the 10-year anniversary of ‘Power’ it is incredible to witness the enormous connection our fans have with the Power universe,” she reportedly stated. “We can’t wait to see how ‘Origins’ will further evolve this dynamic franchise while bringing fresh, gripping, and expansive storytelling to our audience.”
