Omari Hardwick To Star In 50 Cent Drama Series Power

Omari Hardwick has been cast as the lead in 50 Cent’s upcoming hour-long drama series, Power.

Hardwick will play James “Ghost” St. Patrick, a New York nightclub owner who wants to turn it into a Fortune 500 business. However, James is also the kingpin of the most lucrative drug network in the city, and has a very high-level clientele. His marriage, family, and business are jeopardized when he becomes tempted to leave his criminal past behind.

“Omari is an actor of incredible range and versatility,” Starz Managing Director Carmi Zlotnik said in a statement. “When we met Omari, we knew he had all the tools needed to play such a complicated and complex character. We look forward to him bringing Ghost to life on the screen.”

Starz ordered Power to series in June. The eight episode first season is expected to begin airing in 2014. 50 Cent — real name Curtis Jackson — will co-executive produce the series along with The Good Wife’s Courtney Kemp Agboh, who will also serve as showrunner.

“We are thrilled to add Power to our growing original programming lineup for 2014. Curtis has a unique and specific vision for the series, lending it an authenticity and voice rarely seen. Courtney has created a rich world and characters not often explored in contemporary drama,” Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said. “There is a rawness and soul to the character of Ghost as he struggles to live between these two worlds that we believe will leave an indelible mark on the audience and stay with them after the credits roll.”

50 Cent said the series is a “passion project” and that he “couldn’t be more thrilled to have found a home with Starz.”

Omari Hardwick’s credits include Miracle at St. Anna, For Colored Girls, Sparkle, and The A-Team. He also played Marcus in Kick-Ass, but was replaced by Morris Chestnut in the sequel. The 39-year-old also starred in the TV series Saved and Dark Blue.

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