Mekai Curtis says five seasons of Power Book III: Raising Kanan have helped him grow and promises the franchise still has plenty left in store.
Mekai Curtis isn’t ready to close the book on Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
As the hit STARZ drama continues its run, the actor told AllHipHop contributor Ricardo A. Hazell Sr. both he and his character are still evolving, teasing that there is much more to come from the ever-expanding Power universe.
Curtis reflected on what it has meant to spend five seasons portraying Kanan Stark, a role that has transformed him from a rising young actor into one of the franchise’s central stars.
“It’s a transition. It’s growth. It’s a journey. You know what I’m saying?” Curtis said. “I’m glad I’ve gotten to grow as a performer. I’m glad I’ve gotten to grow as a character on the show. I’m glad people are are still rocking with what we got going on. Five years on a series is is very rare and far in between these days. So, you know, I’m glad that I’ve had the vehicle in the space to continue to to grow my craft and continue to to grow with everybody that that’s that’s watching.”
Curtis was first announced as the lead of Raising Kanan before the series premiered in 2021. Since then, the prequel has become one of the pillars of the Power franchise. The character was originally portrayed by 50 Cent.
While Kanan has become increasingly ruthless on screen and Curtis said the cast’s chemistry makes it possible to explore those darker moments.
“I think having a safe space to do that sort of work is what makes the work. It’s what makes it easier to be terrible because it is really hard to be so mean to people that I genuinely do love,” he explained.
Curtis added that the emotional weight of the series extends beyond the script.
“I think that’s also something that… it’s a talking point of the show is like the people that are closest to you, you accidentally or inadvertently can hurt the most.”
He continued, “That’s a conversation that us as a cast, we continue to have and just make sure everybody’s feeling good because when you’re stepping into these spaces and doing things, you’re bringing yourself no matter where you go. So, you know, having that dialogue and that space open, that’s what keeps the work.”
The Raising Kanan artist he said his process is surprisingly quiet and that music does not help him with his craft.
“Honestly, no, man,” Curtis said. “As much of a music head as I am, like I’m literally a musician. I play drums, play keys, I produce like that. I do a little something.”
He said prefers to enter scenes with a clear mind.
“There’s not much that helps me get into the zone. It really is. It’s just whatever I’m feeling for the day. I normally try to keep myself a little calmer and relaxed when we about to get into it. I really don’t listen to much music while I’m like in the zone. Just empty yourself out and just let that go.”
Lastly, Curtis hinted that fans should expect plenty more from both Kanan and the larger franchise.
“Right now, man, just stay tuned for just, you know, the story is not done,” he said. “Power never ends. Yeah, we going to have some fun over there for a little bit and then we going to keep going.”
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