It’s been about nine months since it was revealed that “Power” show creator Courtney Kemp signed a major three-year deal with Starz’s parent company Lionsgate to create “Power” spinoffs. And now the first major casting has been announced.
Mary J. Blige will be starring in one of the spinoffs, and pre-production has already gotten underway.
“Today we are pleased to announce that we are in pre-production on the first of what we know will be a collection of series inspired by the dynamic world of ‘Power,'” said Kemp Friday at a panel discussion at the Television Critics Association. “‘Power Book II: Ghost’ will continue the journey of some of ‘Power’s’ most controversial characters.”
Blige, of course, became a global star after her debut album “What’s the 411?” was released in 1992, and she was quickly branded as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul for being one of the first few artists to blend hip-hop and R&B successfully.
Her first major acting debut came in 2001 in the film “Prison Song,” also starring Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest.
Other films like “Rock of Ages,” and “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” would follow, and in 2017 she played the character Florence Jackson in the film “Mudbound.”
Blige received a Best Supporting Actress nod at the Oscars for that role. She was also nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars for “Mighty River.”
During Friday’s panel discussion, the singer said she was thrilled about joining the “Power” spinoff and is able to fully relate to the characters in the original series.
“This is probably going to be the most exciting thing that will happen to me this year,” she stated. “I’ve known so many Tashas, I’ve known so many Ghosts. I’ve dated so many Ghosts. I’m a huge fan for life, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
Elsewhere during the panel discussion, Kemp talked about how the sixth and final season of “Power” has brought her into a new creative space.
It was also revealed the final season will be broken into two parts, with the last five episodes airing at the beginning of 2020.
“Our season finale is probably the biggest swing of my writing life,” Kemp explained.
The sixth season of “Power” begins on August 25.
