<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="11799996" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="power-book-iii">Power Book III</keyword>: Raising Kanan" is the second spin-off in the "Power" universe. </li><li>Insider spoke with the show's 20-year-old star Mekai Curtis. </li><li>"I know the hold 'Power' has in Black households right now," he told Insider.</li></ul>"Power Book III: Raising Kanan," the second spin-off in the ever-growing "Power" universe, is the most ambitious production <keyword id="4575" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="50-cent">50 cent</keyword> and co. have attempted. It's not only because of the show's scale - it's a period piece set in 1991 South Jamaica, Queens in New York City - or due to the fact that none of the original show's popular stars feature. But rather because every fan watching the show already knows the deadly fate that awaits the main protagonist.Kanan Stark - portrayed by co-creator 50 Cent - is killed in season five of the original series. And as a result, "Raising Kanan" isn't able to rely on the blend of spoiler-friendly mystery and thrills that made the original "Power" so popular.Instead, "Raising Kanan" takes a change of pace and sets its eye on the emotional and psychological journey of its characters, which leaves 20-year-old former Disney child star Mekai Curtis, who has assumed the titular role, with a lot of heavy-duty acting to land. "Raising Kanan" was renewed for a second season one week before its season one opener, which introduced Curtis as a 15-year-old Kanan and his mother Raq, a cocaine distributor with an emerging drug empire around the city.Following the news, Insider spoke with Curtis about taking on the role of Kanan, joining the "Power" universe, and navigating the dedicated "Power" fanbase. <div type="image" title="A still from &quot;Raising Kanan.&quot;" height="900" width="1200" msid="85076586" hostid="261"></div>Insider: Congrats on the success of the show! It's been very well-received. To start, how did the role of Kanan first come to you?Mekai Curtis: I was sitting there watching 'Power' one day, watching Michael Rainey do his thing with Naturi [Naughton] and I was thinking, 'I would love to be on 'Power.' I just randomly put it into the universe and then a week later my team hits me and says: 'We've got an audition for "Power" and I'm like: "That's cool."'At the time, I didn't know the audition was for 'Raising Kanan' or anything. All I knew was that it was 'Power,' and that's what I was super excited about. You've said that you're a big fan of the 'Power' universe. But when did you first see the show? Because you're 20 right? So you must have been around 13 when it first came out? Were you sneak-watching it? I was a young buck for sure. I was still lowkey on my Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network when 'Power' first came out. My father was telling me how dope the show was, but I wasn't paying attention to it. But I got older and started watching. The beginning of season four going into season five is when I got into it, and from there, I went back and watched all of it and became a real 'Power' superfan. Do you remember when you first became aware of 50 Cent? I was in pre-K. For some reason, this super cool bus driver that I had would always play 'In Da Club' on the school bus! I don't know why but that song was always on and we were bumping to it and I learned the lyrics when I was maybe four. So yeah, I've definitely known about 50 for a minute. <div type="image" title="A picture of Mekai Curtis and 50 Cent at the &quot;Power Book III: Raising Kanan&quot; premiere." height="2912" width="4368" msid="85076591" hostid="261"></div>What was it like to work with 50 Cent now and take on the role of Kanan, which he made so popular in the original series? It was fun and challenging. I didn't have 50 around as much as you'd think because he's out here executive producing 12,000 shows and helping out all these other artists with albums and such. So he's out here being the mogul he is. But the couple of times I have gotten to talk with him and pick his brain, he's super excited about what's happening and it was super dope getting to sit down with him and hear his experiences in situations that happened to him when he was younger that sort of parallel what happened with my character on the show.The power universe is made specifically for Black audiences and it is a big part of Black culture across the diaspora. Did you think about that during the production process and if so how did it make you feel? I know the hold 'Power' has in Black households right now and in the Black community, especially for the culture. So there was definitely that immediate feeling of: 'Wow, I'm getting to be a part of this.' Courtney [A. Kemp, executive producer], Sascha [Penn, producer], and 50 are doing such an amazing job of keeping that legacy going with this whole thing. And that was one of the key things because 'Power' is such a staple in this culture. So that was one of the factors when it finally came down to it and they said: 'This is the responsibility you're taking on,' which I will forever love them for trusting me to run with. Was it a conscious decision following your work as a child actor with Disney to transition into work that is focused on Black stories and Black culture? Yes and no. I say no because I feel this is just the next natural step in my career and my progression as an actor, performer, and person. I'm older now and can take on more mature pieces that spark conversations. But I also say yes for that reason. Again, this is something I've wanted to do for my entire life in terms of the roles I'm taking on and the conversations that they spark, and the places people put you around. It was a conscious and unconscious move in the chess game that is the <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="entertainment">entertainment</keyword> industry. The 'Power' fanbase is notoriously dedicated and opinionated. You're new to the franchise, so what has the response been like from the fans? Everyone is showing love. Everyone is enjoying the portrayal. I've gotten a couple of co-signs from OGs, people who really rock down in Queens and know the era for sure. I've gotta tip my hat to Sasha because without him at the helm making sure we pay attention to that detail, we wouldn't be getting the love from the people we made it for.This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' star Mekai Curtis talks joining the 'Power' universe and the 'importance' the show has in 'Black households'

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="10433071" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="michael-rainey-jr">Michael Rainey Jr</keyword>. spoke to Insider about his popular "Power" spin-off series, "Power Book II: Ghost."</li><li>The 20-year-old actor said that it was a "blessing" to be one of the only young Black men leading a TV show right now and he takes his responsibility as a leading man seriously off-screen too.</li><li>Rainey also shared his thoughts on why "Power" never got recognition from the Television Academy, despite its mega-success in the ratings.</li><li>"The show is not really [for the] industry," the actor said. "It's very raw and authentic and I feel stuff like that doesn't really get the recognition it deserves in Hollywood...they don't really respect stuff like that as much as they really should."</li><li>Warning: Spoilers ahead for the original "Power" series.</li></ul>Michael Rainey Jr. has managed to execute two of the hardest transitions in the <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="entertainment">entertainment</keyword> business.First, he has led a successful TV series into a successful spin-off: "Power Book II: Ghost" is currently the <a href="https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/power-book-ii-ghost-renewed-season-2-starz-1234779059/">Starz network's most-watched series </a>and was renewed for a second season after just three episodes. Secondly, the 20-year-old New York native has seamlessly moved from a child actor into a leading role without any of the common pitfalls."Man, it's a blessing," Rainey told Insider about his role as the star of "Power's" first spin-off. "I appreciate all the love no matter how crazy it is." "Power Book II: Ghost" is set directly after the events of the original "Power" series as Tariq St. Patrick (Rainey) grapples with his new reality. His father James "Ghost" St. Patrick (<keyword id="6162513" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="omari-hardwick">Omari Hardwick</keyword>) - an underground drug kingpin turned legit nightclub owner - is dead, and his mother, Tasha (Naturi Naughton), is facing charges for his murder. And in case you have been living under a rock, it was revealed on the series finale of "Power" that Ghost was actually murdered by Tariq. <h2>'This is one of the only shows with a young, Black man leading,' Rainey Jr. said.</h2><div type="image" title="Power Book II: Ghost" height="563" width="1000" msid="79727133" hostid="261"></div>During "Power," the original series that ran for six seasons, ending back in February, Rainey started on the show at 12 year old, having a minor role until season three. That's when Tariq became an important series regular and the show's main villain, or the closest thing to a villain in the complicated "Power" universe. In turn, Rainey's performances grew in stature and he provided one of my most exciting depictions of a complicated protagonist, <a href="https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2020/01/michael-rainey-jr-death-threats-power-finale">who fans love to hate</a>. In fact, Rainey recalled an incident to Insider when he bumped into a fan in New York. That fan later accosted and pushed him because of Tariq's decisions on the show.But in "Ghost," Rainey is doing something different. He's older and now carries the sort of confidence you can't fake for the camera. The show quite plainly rests on the consistency of his performances and thankfully for the show's writers, he continues to hit all the right notes. Rainey credits that to his experience in playing the same character for six years. "It's the same character, but a way different role," he told Insider. "So I was just really reading my scripts, trying to get into that space of Tariq becoming the man of the house now; the man of the show; the man of the new 'Power' universe.""To take on that type of responsibility, you need confidence," Rainey continued. "So I feel like I just had to just get the confidence."The spin-off series also catapults Rainey into the very rare company of Will Smith, Raven-Symoné, Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, and Brandy - some of the few Black actors to assume the lead in a primetime television show, the importance of which isn't lost on him."This is one of the only shows with a young Black man leading, so I feel like right now that's a blessing and I can't ask for anything more than to be in that position," he said. "This is one of the best positions you can be in because when you're leading a show it's not just about the show, it's about off of the show too because you're an inspiration to the kids that are younger, so I always want to be an inspiration to those that watch me and watch what I do."<h2>Rainey said 'Power' never got nominated for an Emmy because it's 'very raw and authentic.'</h2><div type="image" title="&quot;Power&quot;" height="1706" width="2560" msid="79727134" hostid="261"></div>In addition to several cast members who have returned from the original series, "Ghost" has also picked up two big-name additions: the Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, who Rainey Jr. said was "always in his ear" as a child because his mother was constantly playing her music, and the former Wu-Tang Clan rapper-turned-actor Method Man, who is also a Staten Island native. "I played football with Method's Man son a long time before I started acting," he said of his connection to the rapper. "It's two Staten Islanders on the screen showing love and repping for Staten Island."But despite six popular seasons and a star-studded spin-off, "Power" has never been nominated for an Emmy. The show has been almost exclusively shut out of Hollywood's mainstream awards circuit. The show's creator <keyword id="4575" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="50-cent">50 Cent</keyword> has <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/50-cent-emmys-power-reaction-instagram-painting-naacp-a9655171.html">continually pushed back against the Television Academy for the snubs.</a>Rainey has his own opinion on why the show has never gotten Academy acclaim."I feel like it's because the show is not really [for the] industry," Rainey said. "It's very raw and authentic and I feel stuff like that doesn't really get the recognition it deserves in Hollywood.""They don't really respect stuff like that as much as they really should," he continued, referring to the Academy voters. "But like 50 says, you can't take any awards to the bank." <h2>'Power Book II: Ghost' is the first of four 'Power' spin-offs</h2><div type="image" title="&quot;Power&quot;" height="2872" width="4020" msid="79727138" hostid="261"></div>"Ghost" is the first of four planned spin-off shows that are set to roll out on <keyword id="1162294" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Starz">Starz</keyword> across the next five years.Showrunner and lead writer Courtney Kemp said she took <a href="https://ew.com/tv/2020/02/09/power-spinoffs-teaser/">inspiration from the Marvel Cinematic Universe</a> when deciding to expand "Power.""Power Book III: Raising Kanan," a prequel that focuses on 50 Cent's villain from the original series, is scheduled to premiere in 2021, and that will be quickly followed up by "Power Book IV: Force," which will follow Tommy, Joseph Sikora's character, from the original series. "Man, I'm just ready to see Tommy back in action," Rainey said of the upcoming sequels and his onscreen godfather of sorts. "That's one of my favorite characters in 'Power' because he's just crazy and ruthless and he just does what he's got to do.""And as far as the 'Raising Kanan' spin-off, I definitely want to see that because that's going to be old-school vibes, so it's going to be all old-school cars and old-school wardrobe, and stuff like that I love so much," he said of the preqel, set in the 1990s. "The writers have got something up their sleeve all the time, every episode, every script, every season."Read More: <a href="https://www.insider.com/50-cent-convinced-starz-to-air-power-on-sunday-2018-12">50 Cent says he had to persuade Starz not to air 'Power' on Saturday, one of the worst nights for TV</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/fan-rivalries-increase-social-engagement-starz-power-2019-11">How 50 Cent's 'Power' used Twitter to build a cult following</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/power-spin-offs-in-the-works-at-starz-prequel-starring-50-cent-2018-12">Starz has 3 'Power' spin-offs in development, including a prequel TV series starring 50 Cent</a>

'Power Book II: Ghost' star Michael Rainey Jr. on the weight of being one of TV's only young, Black leading men and why 'Power' was never nominated for an Emmy

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"Bel-Air" star Olly Sholotan told Insider that he is "proud" that people hate his character.</li><li>Fans have expressed on social media how much they dislike the changes made to Carlton in the reboot.</li></ul>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/bel-air-carlton-olly-sholotan-screamed-will-smith-2022-2">"Bel-Air" Carlton Banks actor</a> is convinced that "haters" of his character will eventually love him after seeing his journey in later episodes in the season.The new Peacock series turns the 90s sitcom "<keyword id="13254102" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fresh-prince" source="Orion">Fresh Prince</keyword> of Bel-Air" into a modern drama about fictional Will Smith's (Jabari Banks) journey from rags to riches. Olly Sholotan plays Smith's cousin Carlton, a character that has riled up fans of both the new show and the original.In the original series, Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) was a corny, loveable nerd but the new series paints the character as a villain, clashing with his cousin on multiple occasions in the first episode alone. In one moment, Carlton even defends white students rapping the N-word in songs.In an interview with Insider about his version of the character, Sholotan said that the hatred for his character doesn't bother him at all."I think apathy is the enemy of excellence," he said. "And so in all honesty, it would've been worse if I think people were like, 'yeah, this new Carlton, he's fine.' I think nothing's worse than fine. Nothing's worse than average."Sholotan also said he was "proud" that fans were having a deeply emotional reaction to his character.<div type="image" title="Carlton new and old Bel Air" height="1200" width="1600" msid="89849585" hostid="261"></div>"That's what I think is so beautiful about this version of Carlton," the Carlton actor said. "It's that you really get to peel back the layers of what these things do to the psyche of a 16-year-old kid. If you tell someone for as long as they've been socialized that, 'Hey! Even though you identify as Black, you don't really act Black. You don't deserve to be Black.' How does that affect the psyche and what does that do?"He added: "I think that the show starts at a rough point in Carlton's life and I am excited for viewers to see his journey."For Sholotan, Carlton redeems himself in later episodes because the audience gets a glimpse into the character's personal struggle and battle with anxiety. But he says he'll leave the audience to decide their thoughts. He said: "The only thing I gotta say is y'all haters will be lovers."On Twitter, Sholotan has been responding to some of the memes and comments about his character. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Olly Sholotan (@AfricanGodling) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1492926059523629057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>Carlton has even been compared to another hated TV character, <a href="https://twitter.com/RickMoney1967/status/1495790924059844614">Tariq St Patrick</a> from <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/power-book-2">Starz's drama "Power."</a> In 2020, Michael Rainey Jr., who plays Tariq, told Insider a fan accosted him because of his <a href="https://www.insider.com/power-book-ghost-michael-rainey-jr-interview-black-lead-2020-12">character's actions on the show.</a>Sholotan told Insider that the memes are "hilarious" but the comparison to Tariq was a "little unfair."The 23-year-old actor said: "I don't think Carlton's irredeemably evil, but I think that people need to experience that feeling right now. And then if that changes, that changes." New episodes of "Bel-Air" are out on Thursdays on Peacock TV.

'Bel-Air' Carlton actor Olly Sholotan says the 'haters' of his character will eventually love him

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12689070" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="method-man" source="Orion">Method Man</keyword> told Insider that he is ready to star in a superhero film. </li><li>"Come on Marvel. Come on Russo brothers, I'm here," he told Insider. </li></ul>Clifford Smith, better known as Method Man, a founding member of the legendary rap group the <keyword id="12689072" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wu-tang-clan" source="Orion">Wu-Tang Clan</keyword>, has had an interesting career — and now he's looking for his next challenge.In the late 1990s, he made the transition from music to Hollywood, and the switch has remained rather seamless — this fall, Method Man returns as the cunning defense attorney Davis MacLean in the second season of Starz's acclaimed crime drama "Power Book II: Ghost." The 50-year-old is now also what could be described as a revered <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> and <keyword id="11897658" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fitness" source="Orion">fitness</keyword> influencer. Over the last year, Method Man has received adulation from fans for his physical appearance. The rapper was even <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a33564573/method-man-workout/">profiled in an edition of Men's Health</a> this summer where he shared his extensive workout routine. "Maturity is when you look in the mirror and you get tired of your own BS. And that was it for me, you know, I was just wanting to change," he said of his recent turn to health and fitness."I wanted to do something for myself instead of for everybody else. I can only be responsible for my actions and hope it inspires the next generation to do the same." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUgPM7gMO-W" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Method Man (@methodmanofficial)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></div></blockquote>When asked by Insider what he hoped to achieve in the next phase of his career, Method Man said he had only one goal: to be an action hero."This whole journey wasn't necessarily for that. It was for myself, but I think I'm ready," he said in reference to his physical transformation."I got the shirt-off action film thing. I could run, stoic, face straight, running with your shirt off kinda thing. You know, I'm ready, man. Come on Marvel. Come on Russo brothers, I'm here."<div type="image" title="A picture of Method Man on the set of &quot;Power Book II: Ghost&quot; season two." height="3384" width="3809" msid="88146928" hostid="261"></div>"Power Book II: Ghost" is the first spin-off series of the original "Power" series starring Omari Hardwick and Naturi Naughton. The show's second season, which debuted in early November, continues to expand the life of Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr) with the help of an ever-expanding cast, including Mary J. Blige who plays a New York drug kingpin Monet and, of course, Method Man's defense attorney Davis MacLean. Speaking about why he decided to sign up for the show, Method Man, who has worked with Hollywood heavyweights such as Kevin Smith and Jim Jarmusch, told Insider that he was attracted by the fact that his character was a "lawyer, not a shoot-up guy or a gangsta.""The character was well written enough that I didn't have to do too much," he said. "But I did do my due diligence. I had explored 'Philadelphia' with Denzel Washington and explored footage of Johnnie Cochran, not just in the courtroom but him outside of the court."The late Cochran was one of the most sought-after defense attorneys of the 1990s and early 2000s, but he is best known for his role as OJ Simpson's lead defense attorney during his 1995 criminal trial for the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. He died in 2005 of a brain tumor. "Whether people know this or not, Johnnie spoke two different vernacular," Method Man added. "One was for the courtroom and one was for his people. And I wanted to blur the lines between that and make it into a big ass pot of stew.""Power Book II: Ghost" airs weekly on Starz.

Method Man on getting ripped and his desire to star in a superhero film: 'Come on Marvel'

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5ad7597f14b83f2f008b4725-1067/amateurwilliam gray netflix final.jpg" border="0" alt="Amateur_William Gray Netflix final" data-mce-source="William Gray/Netflix" />William Gray/Netflix"Amateur."</div></div></div>Director Ryan Koo got himself the golden ticket when his directorial debut "Amateur" was bought by Netflix in the script stage to be one of its original movies. But the journey the movie took to get to the streaming giant's millions of viewers was a challenging one.It's a struggle to make every movie, but Koo can make the argument that he took on obstacles that most first-time filmmakers don't.In "Amateur" (currently available on Netflix) we get a look inside what young basketball phenoms go through to get the attention of a big-time Division I NCAA school. Main character 14-year-old Terron Forte is a star on his school basketball team, but to get to the next level his family enrolls him in a shady prep-school. In doing so, we see firsthand the corruption behind youth athletics where the kids no longer play for the coach, or to get into college, or even the NBA - they play for the brands.To capture that authentic feel, Koo cast 15-year-old actor Michael Rainey Jr. in the role of Terron. And as he explained to Business Insider, what came with that decision were a lot of restrictions that, if navigated incorrectly, could have crippled the entire movie.

You Searched For "michael rainey jr" and got 5 results

'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' star Mekai Curtis talks joining the 'Power' universe and the 'importance' the show has in 'Black households'

Zac Ntim

'Power Book II: Ghost' star Michael Rainey Jr. on the weight of being one of TV's only young, Black leading men and why 'Power' was never nominated for an Emmy

Zac Ntim

'Bel-Air' Carlton actor Olly Sholotan says the 'haters' of his character will eventually love him

Ayomikun Adekaiyero

Method Man on getting ripped and his desire to star in a superhero film: 'Come on Marvel'

Zac Ntim

Netflix's 'Amateur' director had to navigate real-life NCAA regulations in casting a 15 year old as a basketball star

Jason Guerrasio