Omari Hardwick Almost Declined The Role Of Ghost In ‘Power’

One of the most popular television franchises in history is Starz's "Power" Universe. The three-part series include "Power," "Power Book II: Ghost," and "Power Book III: Raising Kanan." But it all started with Omari Hardwick as James St. Patrick.

The cast of "Power" captivated audiences for six seasons with tales of drug dealings, betrayal, and the literal perils of Power.

James St.Patrick, a.k.a "Ghost," was a drug lord who wanted to get his act together. However, he rapidly learned that he couldn't flee or forget his past.

But for Hardwick, the show's star, the reality of playing the lead role was almost too much to handle. And he almost gave up the opportunity. Keep scrolling to find out why.

Omari Hardwick Latif was born in Savannah, Georgia, on January 9, 1974. He is one of Joyce and Attorney Clifford Hardwick III's three sons. His brothers are Malik, Jamil, and Shani Hardwick.

Hardwick is an American actor, poet, rapper, producer, and podcaster. He attended Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia, for high school. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and football, which earned him a football scholarship to the University of Georgia.

Hardwick had planned to pursue a career in football after graduation. But after he wasn't selected for the NFL Draft, he returned to acting. Although he entered the NFL Draft but was not picked.

He finally got his break in "Sucker Free City," the 2004 TV movie. Following that, he landed roles in the feature film "The Guardian" and TV show "Saved." He is best known for his portrayal of "Ghost" in Starz's "Power."

Though he'd appeared in films like "I Will Follow" and "Middle of Nowhere," Hardwick's role as James "Ghost" St. Patrick in "Power" was his first lead role.

Being a lead actor was new for him, and he revealed he was used to playing supporting characters. "I guess I was reаlly аfraid of grаbbing that big-а** mountain and being 'the guy,'" Hаrdwick said on The Fat Joe Show."

Thankfully, Hardwick's wife, Jennifer Pfautch, pushed him to overcome his insecurities and accept the part. "Finally, my wife said, 'Please, God, allow this man to embrace his Power,'" Hardwick said. When he heard the word Power, Hardwick had no idea that was the show's title.

We'd say it was all worth it because Hardwick's involvement in the series made him a household celebrity. Also, his wife deserves a big fat "thank you" because Hardwick would have passed up the role if she didn't support him.

Hardwick's character Ghost was killed off in the final season of the original series, as fans of the show know. Although the spinoff series launched the world, the kingpin is dead and buried as far as we know.

Courtney Kemp, the show's creator, has also verified Ghost's death.

Even though the character is no longer alive, we may not have seen the last of Ghost in the Power Universe.

There are rumors the character could appear in Ghost's best buddy and business partner Tommy Egan's upcoming film "Power Book IV: Force."

"Perhaps flashbacks or something," says Curtis, executive producer of Power Universe. It's only a matter of time before we find out.

"Power Universe" has grown into one of the most popular television franchises in the last year. The original series was set in New York City and focused on James "Ghost" St. Patrick (Hardwick).

Even though Hardwick's character is no longer alive, he remains inextricably linked to the Power Universe. He recently reacted to the new spinoff "Force's" initial photo.

Hardwick wrote beneath the picture, joining the fans who were ecstatic to see Sikora's fan-favorite character, Tommy. "Go get it," he said.

Amid rumors that Ghost would come back to the series Hardwick, on the other hand, has continued to feature in a slew of roles in Hollywood.

Since then, he's appeared in Netflix's "Army of the Dead," and he's working on several other projects, including the upcoming Netflix sci-fi film "The Mothership," which he'll star in alongside Halle Berry, John Ortiz, and Molly Parker.