Zuri Reed Takes on the Role of Young Tasha in ‘Power: Origins’
EXCLUSIVE: Zuri Reed, known for her role in National Treasure: Edge of History, has been cast as Tasha in Starz’s upcoming series Power: Origins. Tasha will be portrayed as the younger version of a character originally played by Naturi Naughton in the acclaimed series Power.
Starz has indicated that this new spinoff prequel will present a lighter narrative, describing it as “a fun, rambunctious exploration of a new time period in the ‘Power’ franchise.” The series aims to capture “the unbridled audacity of young men on the rise, determined to become legends in the game.”
Power: Origins will focus on the formative years of two key characters from the original series, James “Ghost” St. James, portrayed by Omari Hardwick, and Tommy Egan, played by Joseph Sikora. Spence Moore II and Charlie Mann will embody these characters in their youth. Additionally, the character of Kanan Stark, originally depicted by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, will be played by Mekai Curtis, continuing his role from Raising Kanan.
The storyline will follow the trio as they embark on their journeys as ambitious young entrepreneurs, eager to carve their names into the streets of New York City.
Joining Moore II, Mann, and Curtis, the cast includes Jason Dirden, reprising his role of Traymont Stinson from Raising Kanan; Jennifer Ferrin as Tommy’s mother, Kate Egan; Lizzy DeClement as local nurse Jill Wexler; Lenny Platt as finance expert Lenny Seidell; Armani Gabriel as J-Boogs, a trusted ally to Ghost and Tommy; and Everett Osborne as NY Jets tight end, Omay Moreau.
The recurring cast features Kelly McCreary as Officer Melanie Rivers, Hill Harper as Detective Burns, and Nadia Dajani, who will reprise her role as Teresa Boselli from Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Other notables include Damon Gupton as Detective Glover Archibald and Tonya Pinkins as Ghost’s loving grandmother, Grandma Charlayne.
Recently announced, Dominic Rains, previously of NBC’s Chicago Med, will appear as Detective Fred Drexel. Following a controversial incident within the NYPD, Drexel will navigate a complex investigation that is sure to get messy.
Currently, Power: Origins is the only production in the “Power” Universe, following the conclusion of Power Book II: Ghost in 2024 and the recent end of Power Book IV: Force, which wrapped its three-season run in January. Power Book III: Raising Kanan is set to conclude with its upcoming fifth season, premiering June 12. A new project titled Power: Legacy (working title) is also in development, intended to follow events from Force if picked up by Starz.
Sascha Penn, who worked on Power Book III: Raising Kanan, serves as the showrunner and executive producer for Power: Origins, co-writing the pilot with Power creator Courtney Kemp, who also executive produces through her company, End of Episode. Other producers include Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, Mark Canton through Canton Entertainment, Chris Selak, Kevin Fox, and director Pete Chatmon. Lionsgate Television will oversee production for Starz.
Reed has previously featured as a series regular on Disney+’s National Treasure: Edge of History and had a notable recurring role on Showtime’s Flatbush Misdemeanors. She is represented by Vault Entertainment.
