The cast and creative team behind Power Book III: Raising Kanan stepped onto the red carpet to celebrate the premiere of the show’s fifth and final season, marking the end of a series that has become a standout chapter in the Power franchise.
The evening was filled with reflection as cast members looked back on their years with the show and shared what audiences can expect as the story reaches its conclusion. Stars including Mekai Curtis, Patina Miller, Malcolm Mays, Tony Danza, Joey Bada$$, and creator Sascha Penn spoke about the impact Raising Kanan has had on both their careers and their lives.
Across the cast, there was a strong sense of gratitude. Many credited the writing, the collaborative environment, and the relationships built over the course of five seasons. Tony Danza praised his fellow actors for the way they brought scenes to life, pointing to their ability to listen and react to one another in a way that made every performance stronger.
As for the final season, Mekai Curtis teased that viewers will finally see several long-running storylines come full circle. He described the season as a major turning point for Kanan, whose journey continues to move him closer to becoming the character fans know from the original Power series. This is similar to what he told The Knockturnal during the day of his cover shoot.
Patina Miller reflected on Raquel “Raq” Thomas and the legacy her character leaves behind. She described Raq as a relentless worker and natural leader who spent much of the series fighting to protect her family and maintain the empire she built. Miller noted that while Raq’s decisions were often complicated, her determination remained constant throughout the show’s run.
Malcolm Mays also looked back on his time playing Lou-Lou, recalling the early days of production and the chemistry that quickly developed among the cast. He shared that the experience helped shape him personally, adding that the lessons he learned during the show’s run continue to influence his outlook on life and career.
Joey Bada$$ discussed the connection between performers and audiences, explaining that viewers often gravitate toward characters because they recognize pieces of themselves in their stories. That sense of relatability, he said, is what keeps fans invested season after season.
“It’s super important to resonate with your audience simply for the fact of [this is your] community,” said Bada$$. “People tune in to the show because there’s things about the characters that they recognize within themselves or that they want to recognize within themselves.”
Behind the scenes, creator Sascha Penn reflected on the success of Raising Kanan with appreciation for the writers, actors, and crew who helped bring the story to life. Penn said the final season was built to give fans a rewarding payoff while bringing together the show’s many character arcs in a meaningful way.
The conversation also turned toward the future of the Power universe. With Raising Kanan coming to an end, excitement is already building around the upcoming spinoffs Power Origins and Legacy. Penn explained that the new titles move away from the “Book” format used in previous spinoffs because the numbering system could be confusing for viewers.
“I think we just felt like it sort of in a way made it easier to sort of access the shows, because when you have a book number, you sort of feel like, ‘Oh, it’s in that order,’ but they’re not in that order,” said Penn. “Kanan is three, but really Kanan is one because it happens before.”
While there was plenty of excitement surrounding what’s next, the red carpet carried a bittersweet atmosphere. For many of the actors, Raising Kanan has been a defining part of the last several years, giving them the opportunity to grow alongside their characters and form lasting connections with one another.
