THE FINAL SEASON OF STARZ'S "POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN" INTRODUCES YOUNG JARITA, PLAYED BY ASJHA COOPER

Cooper to Continue in the Iconic Role as a Series Regular in "Power: Origins," Filming Now

Santa Monica, Calif. - July 3, 2026 - STARZ confirmed today casting for a highly anticipated character in the "Power" Universe with Asjha Cooper stepping into the role of Jarita, a love interest of Kanan Stark (Mekai Curtis) and known to longtime fans as the future mother of his son, Shawn. Cooper first appeared in "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" as Tiana, a call girl working for Flossie Siegel (Leslie Grossman). However, in last night's episode she revealed her real name to Kanan, shocking longtime fans of the "Power" universe with her true identity. Cooper will continue as a guest star throughout the fifth and final season of "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" and has been confirmed as a series regular in the next chapter of the "Power" Universe, "Power: Origins," which is currently filming in New Jersey.

"Power Book III: Raising Kanan" is a prequel series in the "Power" universe that explores fan-favorite character Kanan Stark's entry into the drug business and his evolution from an innocent teenager into a ruthless kingpin, influenced by his mother's manipulation and deception. Seasons One through Four are available to stream now on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms, and Season Five is currently airing with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays on the STARZ app, and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms.

Kanan Stark's journey over the last four seasons of "Raising Kanan" has been fraught with ambition, betrayal and relentless attempts to escape his mother's shadow. He once looked up to Raq (Patina Miller), eager to join her empire, but he soon learned the truth about who she really was and the secrets she was hiding from him. Forced to confront this web of lies, Kanan faced an existential crisis of self-discovery and emerged stronger and more resolute than ever, as his true ruthlessness continues to take shape. He knows exactly who he is and who he must become to defeat his enemies. As his relationship with Raq reaches a point of no return, and any chance of reconciliation becomes a distant memory, war is inevitable. Kanan solidifies his place in the Queens drug game alongside Breeze (Shameik Moore), the Southside legend, and their alliance sets the stage for a reckoning that will ripple through every player in this dangerous game. Nothing will stand in the way of Kanan's pursuit of power. After all, this isn't the end for Kanan Stark. It's just the beginning.

In addition to Miller, Curtis, Moore, Grossman and Cooper, "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" stars London Brown as Marvin Thomas, Hailey Kilgore as Laverne "Jukebox" Thomas, Wendell Pierce as Ishmael "Snaps" Henry, Erika Woods as Stephanie "Pop" Henry, Tony Danza as Stefano Marchetti and Joe Pantoliano as Pino Bernardi.

"Power: Origins" will continue to explore the "Power" universe in fresh and compelling ways, delving into the action-packed origin story of fan-favorite characters Ghost, Tommy and Kanan as ambitious young entrepreneurs on the rise, determined to make their mark on the streets of New York City. Cooper joins the previously announced Spence Moore as Ghost, Charlie Mann as Tommy and Zuri Reed as Tasha, alongside MeKai Curtis, reprising the role of Kanan. A fun, rambunctious exploration of a new era in the "Power" franchise, "Power: Origins" will highlight the unbridled audacity of young men on the rise, determined to become legends in the game. Season One will consist of 18 episodes.

"Power Book III: Raising Kanan" is the second spinoff in the expanded "Power" Universe and "Power: Origins" will mark the fourth spinoff in the hugely popular franchise, following "Power Book II: Ghost" and "Power Book IV: Force," which concluded earlier this year. A newly announced series, "Power: Legacy" has recently been greenlit with stars Joseph Sikkora and Michael Rainey Jr. reprising their iconic roles. Creator Sascha Penn serves as showrunner and executive producer for Season Five of "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" and will show-run and executive-produce "Power: Origins," from a pilot co-written by Penn and Courtney Kemp. The "Power" Universe series is executive-produced by Kemp, the creator and showrunner of the original "Power," through her production company, End of Episode; Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, through G-Unit Film and Television; Mark Canton, through Canton Entertainment; Chris Selak; Kevin Fox; and Pete Chatmon. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ.

Follow "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" on Social: Instagram:@RaisingKananStarz Facebook:@RaisingKananStarz Join the conversation with #RaisingKanan #PowerTV and #STARZ

Asjha Cooper

Pronounced "Asia"

Asjha Cooper's star is quickly on the rise. In a comedic turn, she can be seen as a lead in an episode of "Side Quest," which is a four-episode anthology spinoff of "Mythic Quest." She previously appeared on two seasons on "Chicago Med." Cooper can also be seen as a lead in "Black as Night," a feature-length anthology episode of the "Welcome to the Blumhouse" series. In features, she can be seen as a lead in the Shawn Levy produced film There's Someone Inside Your House. Cooper recurred on "All American" and on "Snowfall."

Cooper is represented by Industry Entertainment and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.

About STARZ

STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning "We're All Adults Here." Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 18,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.