Mekai Curtis has spent the last several years carrying the weight of one of television’s most iconic younger characters on his shoulders. As the star of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Curtis has evolved from a promising young actor into one of the defining faces of the ever-expanding Power universe.
Long before leading one of television’s biggest franchises, Curtis was a kid balancing auditions, music, and everyday childhood interests. Born in New Jersey in 2000, he began auditioning at an incredibly young age, traveling to New York at just six years old to pursue opportunities in theater and television. Growing up in a musical household, Curtis developed an early passion for drums thanks to the influence of his father. Music, gaming, and other creative outlets became a major part of his childhood, with his family consistently encouraging him to explore his artistic interests.
Mekai Curtis By Daniel Graindorge for The Knockturnal. Styling By Jasmine Woolfork
That support eventually led Curtis from early projects such as Kirby Buckets, The Lion Guard, and Milo Murphy’s Law to much larger opportunities as he matured both personally and professionally. Today, audiences know him as Kanan Stark, a character who has become increasingly darker and more ruthless over four seasons of Raising Kanan. Off-screen, however, Curtis has focused on a very different kind of growth, learning how to balance success, creativity, mental health, and the responsibility that comes with leading a major television franchise.
Mekai Curtis By Daniel Graindorge for The Knockturnal. Styling By Jasmine Woolfork
Curtis believes growth as an artist happens gradually through everyday experiences. Whether it’s moving from audition to audition, tackling scenes one at a time, or navigating the uncertainty that comes with an entertainment career, he has embraced a steady mindset that has helped him handle the pressures attached to the role.
The impact of joining the Power universe has been transformative. Curtis credits franchise creator Courtney Kemp, executive producer 50 Cent, and showrunner Sascha Penn with helping shape the trajectory of his career. As the franchise continued to grow, so did the demands that came with it. Between filming Raising Kanan and preparing for the upcoming Power Origins, Curtis began placing a greater emphasis on mental health and self-care. Throughout 2026, he became more intentional about creating balance away from work and protecting his well-being amid the unpredictable nature of television production.
Mekai Curtis By Daniel Graindorge for The Knockturnal. Styling By Jasmine Woolfork
After years immersed in the demanding world of Raising Kanan, Curtis started prioritizing experiences that allowed him to disconnect from the pressures of leading a hit series.
“It’s different for everybody,” Curtis said. “Sometimes I’m sitting at the crib playing music. I’m a musician too, so sometimes it’s actually being out playing shows with other artists. You’ve got to find what your thing is, whether that’s being with your family, being alone, or just taking time for yourself.”
He also emphasized the importance of understanding that many people quietly carry challenges others may never see.
“Give yourself grace,” Curtis said. “The world is crazy. There’s a lot going on outside, and everybody’s dealing with something different. You’ve got to give yourself the space to deal with that and give other people the space to deal with what they’re dealing with too.”
Mekai Curtis By Daniel Graindorge for The Knockturnal. Styling By Jasmine Woolfork
That personal evolution mirrors much of what viewers will see from Kanan in Season 5. According to Curtis, Raising Kanan has always been about more than crime and power struggles. At its core, the series remains rooted in family dynamics and the complicated ways people protect those they love. Season 5 continues exploring Kanan’s relationship with his mother, Raquel, while examining the influence of the larger Thomas family. After spending years searching for answers about both his family and himself, Kanan is finally forced to confront the truth.
“You’ve gotten to see him discover his family and his life even more,” Curtis said. “Throughout the entirety of the show, you’ve watched him asking questions, and now he finally has the answers he’s been looking for. In Season 5, you really get to see the fallout of him discovering his truth.”
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- Mekai Curtis By Daniel Graindorge for The Knockturnal. Styling By Jasmine Woolfork
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- Mekai Curtis By Daniel Graindorge for The Knockturnal. Styling By Jasmine Woolfork
As Kanan grows more comfortable with manipulation, power, and brutality, viewers will see him move closer to the ruthless figure first introduced in the original Power series. One of the season’s biggest developments is the long-awaited arrival of Breeze, one of the most mysterious and heavily discussed figures in Power lore. Portrayed by Shameik Moore, Breeze serves as the mentor who helped shape Kanan, Ghost, and Tommy into the men fans would later come to know.
Curtis described working alongside Moore as one of the highlights of the season, particularly because of the anticipation surrounding Breeze’s debut. For longtime fans, the character represents one of the final missing pieces in the franchise’s timeline. The storyline also serves as a bridge to Power Origins, where Curtis will continue portraying an older and more fully realized version of Kanan Stark. While Raising Kanan chronicled the character’s adolescence and gradual corruption, Origins will explore his rise to power and the reputation he ultimately earns on the streets of New York.
Mekai Curtis By Daniel Graindorge for The Knockturnal. Styling By Jasmine Woolfork
“You’re going to see Kanan stepping into the shoes that Raq has been in,” Curtis revealed. “The fun part has been showing the care and mentorship that Kanan still carries within him. It’s easy to get caught up in how wild the world of Power can be, but what we’ve really tried to focus on with Raising Kanan and Origins is the family dynamic, the love, and the desire to protect the people you care about, even if it’s not always done in the best way.”
As Kanan continues evolving, viewers will see him take on greater responsibility, influence, and control. It marks the final transition into the version of the character longtime fans recognize. Still, Curtis emphasizes that both Raising Kanan and Origins remain grounded in emotional relationships rather than violence alone. Beneath the crime, betrayal, and power struggles, the franchise continues to explore themes of family, mentorship, love, and the flawed ways people try to protect those closest to them.
As Curtis prepares for the next chapter of the Power universe, the young actor who once dreamed of a breakout role now finds himself helping shape the future of one of television’s biggest franchises.
Talent: @themekaicurtis
Editor in Chief: @ojwilliams4
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