Power fans were devastated after actor Omari Hardwick left the show in 2020.
Despite rumors that he will be returning to the Power universe, nothing has yet been confirmed – but fans are still holding their breath.
Who did Omari Hardwick play in Power?
Omari Hardwick carried the lead role in the show, playing James St Patrick, better known as Ghost.
Ghost was a nightclub owner doubling up as a drug lord, trying to escape life of crime and pursue a legitimate business.
Throughout the six seasons, Ghost made many enemies on his way to the top of the New York social ladder and even his own family turned on him.
The last season of the Starz show culminated with Ghost’s death, when he was shot at the hands of his own son, Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr) and died in the arms of his lifelong best friend Tommy (Joseph Sikora).
His untimely demise divided fans, with some believing he is still alive and will make a return in Season Two of the Power spin-off, Power Book II: Ghost.
Why did Omari Hardwick leave Power?
Omari Hardwick left Power at the end of season six, the last season of the hit show.
Power fans were left shocked when creator Courtney Kemp and executive producer 50 Cent announced the series end.
But Kemp revealed the main reason she didn’t renew the show for another season.
“I had run out of story. I didn’t want to continue to make a bad show.
“I got inspired by the Marvel Universe. As someone who watched the X-Men cartoon as a kid, I just love the idea of creating the universe and how they did it, which was—and obviously I copied this—taking specific characters and looking at them in new ways.”
Omari Hardwick has since revealed that he was hoping for a different ending for his character Ghost.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly he said: “Between season 1 and season 2, I’m just now putting on the coat of Ghost, I’m trying to learn who this guy is and to get comfy with him.
“I’m jogging in Boston, and it comes to me as how it should end. Just creatively I shared it with [creator Courtney Kemp].”
He continued: “I emailed it in case she uses it and I at least have credit. What I email her was that it’s season 7 and Ghost, like Denzel [Washington] in Man on Fire, an eye for an eye, a life for a life, he has to go help his brother, Tommy.
“Tommy does what he shouldn’t do and Ghost has to give his life.”
However, some hardcore fans of the Powerverse are convinced that Hardwick will be making a return as Ghost in the Power spin-off, Power Book II: Ghost, which tells the story of his son, Tariq.
Kemp has even weighed in on the rumors, saying she and the writers had “written and intended” for him to die, but “things can change” in the Powerverse.
In interview with Digital Spy, Tariq actor Michael Rainey Jr was asked about the possible return of Ghost in season two of the spin-off series.
He said: “You know how Tariq said to Monet at the end of Episode 10, Season 1, ‘He may not be here anymore, but ghosts never die’? Yeah.
“Y’all gonna see the definition of that line in this season.”
What happens in Power Book II: Ghost season 2?
Power Book II: Ghost follows the story of Tariq, the son of James St Patrick.
After the death of Ghost, Tariq follows in his father’s footsteps to become a drug dealer while he’s in college.
Season 2 sees him charged with double murder and looking to pick apart the prosecutors’ case.
The last episode of the season airs on February 6, 2022, just ahead of the debut of Power Book IV: Force, with creators promising an explosive finale.
Starz announced the renewal of Power Book II: Ghost for a third season, with production set to begin in early 2022.
Courtney Kemp promised Ghost would not stop there, revealing that there were plenty more series to come.
She said: “In my mind I have five or six seasons”.
So far, Ghost has been speaking from beyond the grave and the likelihood of seeing him making a return are slim, but showrunners are knows for mind-blowing plot twists – so nothing’s out of the question.
